The 22nd July 2014, the first day of the school summer holidays, was a hot sunny beautiful day. Kyrece Francis, and 17 friends decided to find a secluded spot where they could play football, listen to music and cool off in a shallow River. They settled in a large field alongside The River Thames that had a sandy bay which looked really shallow. They were having so much fun. Some of the children including my son ventured out to swim to a central island, this is when Kyrece got into difficulties in the water. Many attempts were made by his friends to rescue him but sadly he tragically lost his life. There were no signs warning people not to swim and no warnings about the hidden under currents, no safety equipment nearby.
The lives of Kyrece's family and friends have been turned upside down, we are devastated. Kyrece was a beautiful kind boy, with a huge bubbly personality. He was always full of life with a huge infectious smile. Kyrece was very popular, he had friends in all walks of life. Kyrece played for a local under 14's football team and also trained with a local football academy, football was his passion.
