Inquest to begin into death of boy, 16, found in river
A coroner is set to hold an inquest into the death of a 16-year-old boy whose body was found in the River Weaver in Cheshire. Jonty Evans was reported missing on Friday, August 30 2024, and was last seen between 10.45pm and 11.15pm on Queens Drive in Nantwich.
A significant search operation was launched, involving the use of drones and search teams around the river, with thermal imaging deployed. Jonty's body was found in the river in Nantwich on the evening of Sunday, September 1 2024. An inquest looking into the teenager's death will start at Warrington Coroners Court on Tuesday, July 1. It is expected to last two days.
The family of the 16-year-old paid tribute to him as news of his tragic death broke last year. In a statement, released via Cheshire Police, they said: "No words will ever describe the loss of our son. He was not only a son, but a friend and a brother.
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"Jonty was compassionate, sensitive, brave and full of light, when he smiled it was as mountains smile to see the spring. His warm face greets me when I fall asleep and he's there the moment I wake up.
"You were ripped away from having a full and rich life and we were stolen the chance of ever having to see you grow old. This pain in our chests will never leave us and will forever be within our hearts because we love Jonty and that's something no one can take away from us.
"Tonight, and tomorrow and for the rest of our lives, we will look for you in the stars and through sunsets and remember who you were, until we meet again."
Officers involved in the investigation arrested two 16-year-olds from Crewe on suspicion of section 47 assault. in the week following Jonty's death. The pair were released on conditional bail, Cheshirelive reports.
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