Tribute paid to boy, 13, who died after jumping into Exeter canal

A 13-year-old boy who died after he was pulled from a canal in Exeter has been described as a “wonderful young man” and a “talented young footballer” by his club.

Delvin Musakwa, from Exeter, was pronounced dead at hospital on Monday, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Emergency services were called at about 16:35 BST to Clapperbrook Lane East, police said.

Paying tribute, Heavitree Youth Football Club said the teenager would be “sorely missed by all”.

Police said emergency services were called when he failed to surface after jumping into the canal.

He was taken to hospital in a serious condition, where he later died, the force said.

Heavitree Youth Football Club said in a statement: “As a club, we would like to say our thoughts and prayers are with the boy’s family, friends, and all that were a part of his life.

“He was a wonderful young man who was a popular individual amongst his peers and a talented young footballer.

“The news has come as a shock to all involved with Heavitree Youth FC, and he will be sorely missed by all.”

Acting Supt Chris Conway said his death was “an awful and tragic incident”.

“We offer our condolences to the family who are being supported by specialist officers,” he said.

“We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected as they come to terms with their devastating loss.”

Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and a file was being prepared for the coroner.