Some left balloons, tributes and flowers for Arian under the bridge on Wednesday afternoon. Special police officers were photographed in the area after the incident. Around 4:45 p.m. On Tuesday, emergency services received a report of children in River Taff near Forest Farm Road and that a boy was missing. Police, paramedics, firefighters and lifeguards took part in the search, which allegedly involved a helicopter flying back and forth “very close to land”, according to residents. Arian was found an hour later and could not be renewed. READ MORE:Significant changes to Cardiff bin collections have been announced A family statement issued on Wednesday said: “Our family is devastated by Arian’s tragic death, but we are moved by the way the community, including the police and other emergency services, is trying to support us. Arian was our little teacher – brilliant in mathematics and versatile. “He was very academic with a warm and loving personality. “There will never be a day that we do not miss.” Tributes left by friends of 13-year-old Aryan (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE) Aryan is said to have been with his friends when he disappeared on Tuesday afternoon (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE) A tribute to the scene read: “You never know the last time you will see a place or a person. You will always have a place in our hearts.” Another letter said: “You will miss everyone so much, you never failed to put a smile on our face and you will be in our hearts forever.” Police blocked access to a trail near the site Wednesday afternoon as the police diving team was set to launch further investigations. Samantha Camilleri, who lived in Whitchurch for most of her life, recalled Tuesday’s incident: “Sirens were ringing all the time and I immediately realized they were looking for someone. The helicopter crashed very close. “ He added: “Everyone knows each other here and it will be a huge shock to the community. These poor parents too – absolutely heartbreaking.” For more Cardiff news, sign up for our Cardiff newsletter here. A special search unit at the site on Wednesday afternoon (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE) Another woman, who lived near Forest Farm Road, where the emergency services were initially stationed before being transported to the water pump, said she initially believed the incident was a forest fire due to the “large volume of fire engines”. They added: “It was obvious that something very serious had happened.” Tributes on stage on Wednesday for Arian (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE) The joint page of Whitchurch and Tongwynlais Labor Party advisers shared its own tribute to Aryan. They said: “Our hearts are with the family and friends of the 13-year-old boy who died. It is clear that there was a rapid and significant response from the emergency services and we expect more details. “ According to the National Water Safety Forum, there were 26 deaths in Wales from drowning in 2021 in inland and coastal locations. There were 25 in 2020. It is the second river death in South Wales in less than a month, after the body of another 13-year-old, Kane Edwards of Morrison, was found in the Towe River near Swansea Enterprise Park on May 24. Under the footbridge next to the water pump in Whitchurch, near where Aryan was found (Image: WalesOnline / Rob Browne) On Tuesday afternoon, Detective Inspector Abi Biddle said: “At 4.45pm today, Tuesday 21 June, a report was received of children in River Taff near Forest Farm Road in Whitchurch, Cardiff and a boy was missing. extensive search by police, fire brigade, ambulance, port and police helicopter. “The missing 13-year-old boy was located in the river around 17.45 and, despite the efforts of the emergency services, resuscitation was not possible. The boy’s family has been informed and supported at this time. The medical examiner has been informed and the investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing “. READ NEXT:
