TEMI Abimbola was a ‘wonderful young man’ who was ‘universally liked’ said his head teacher John Sharples.

The Sir Thomas Boteler High School head paid tribute to the 16-year-old who drowned in Appleton Reservoir yesterday.

He said: “The whole school community is devastated by this tragedy. He was a fine athlete, with a conscientious attitude to work, a caring nature, a mischievous sense of humour and sound moral principles, which he would champion vigorously.

“This led him to be universally liked and respected by staff and pupils, in fact by everyone who had the pleasure to meet him; we will all struggle to come to terms with his loss.”

Temi, who joined the school after moving from Nigeria, had sat an English GSCE yesterday morning before joining a group of year 11 pupils who went swimming at the reservoir.

He got into difficulties and despite efforts by his friends, drowned, added the head.

Mr Sharples said his family, who had encouraged him and were proud of everything he achieved, were in the school’s thoughts.

He said: “He (Temi) loved them dearly and they will need our prayers and support at this most difficult time.

“Temi lived his short life making the most of the gifts he had, willingly sharing them with others. I am sure that his memory will be an inspiration to our whole community.”

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