Tragic teenage canoeist Will Carus

Tributes have been paid to a Kent teenager who drowned in the River Thames during a canoe race.

Police divers found 17-year-old Will Carus's body at the Marble Hill section of the river yesterday.

It is understood he was taking part in the Richmond Hasler Marathon canoe race on Sunday when he capsized.

Police said Will, from Tonbridge, was an experienced canoeist and a member of Tonbridge Canoe Club.

He was taking part in the event organised by Richmond Canoe Club. Both clubs are affiliated to Canoe England.

Will was last seen by an eye-witness holding onto the overturned canoe, swimming with it to the river bank.

In a statement issued today, Will's family said: "This was an appalling accident with tragic consequences for Will, his family and his many friends.

"Our one consolation is that he died doing something for which he had an absolute passion on a beautiful sunny day on the river.

"We have also been much heartened by the many wonderful tributes we have received from so many of the people he has touched in his brief but very full life.

"We would ask that you pay him the tribute of allowing his family and friends to grieve in peace at this time by respecting their privacy and avoiding the temptation to speculate about the circumstances of the accident - which will be the subject of an inquest in due course."

Police are treating the death as non-suspicious.

The local authority and Health and Safety Executive have been informed.

An inquest is scheduled to open and adjourn in due course at West London Coroners' Court.

A spokesman for Canoe England said: "We would like to say how deeply saddened we are by this tragic incident.

"Clearly our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of the individual concerned.

"As events unfold we will be investigating fully to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident so as to learn and share with others our findings and any lessons they may provide.#

"Our sympathies are with the family and friends of the individual concerned."

Did you know Will? Pay tribute to him in the comment box below or e-mail multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk.