Football boy dies on canoe trip

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Stewart McEwan, 13, from Reading, Berkshire, died during a canoeing exercise on the River Usk near Brecon, Powys.

The death of a promising young footballer while canoeing on a river during a school trip is being investigated by police.

Stewart McEwan, 13, from Earley in Reading, Berkshire, died during a canoeing exercise on the River Usk near Brecon, Powys, on Saturday afternoon.

His parents said they were "devastated" to lose a son "who grabbed life".

Stewart, who had been signed by Reading FC, was airlifted to Hereford Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

He loved his sport and there wasn't anything he didn't enjoy Stewart McEwan's parents

Stewart had been on a week-long trip to Brecon, and Dyfed-Powys Police have taped off two areas of the river about a mile east of the town.

Police said the circumstances surrounding his death were still being established, but confirmed that he had entered the water.

Stewart's body was recovered in a joint operation between Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The fire service sent a rescue boat from its Hay-on-Wye station to assist in the operation, which began at about 1500 GMT.

'Kindness and support'

In a statement, his parents said: "We are devastated by the loss of Stewart.

"He was a boy who grabbed life. He loved his sport and there wasn't anything he didn't enjoy.

"We were very proud of all his sport achievements particularly when he was signed by Reading Football Club this year and would like to thank the coaching staff at Reading Academy for their kindness and support."

Reading chairman John Madejski said: "This is devastating news and our condolences go out to Stewart's family, who we will of course try to support in any possible way".

The club will talk to Stewart's parents about how they should pay tribute to him at Saturday's first team game against Southampton.

Police taped off an area of the riverbank about a mile east of Brecon

Canoeist Robert Spencer said it was a "grade two" river which was "fairly relaxed".

"The water levels are fairly low," he said.

"There are no real danger spots. You get one or two rapids but they are fairly easy to handle.

"You may get some undercurrent under roots and tree branches. But generally, a relatively safe river. "But for the inexperienced it's the place to start out canoeing."

He was shocked that there had been a death on the river.

"I'm not sure what the levels were like yesterday, maybe they were slightly higher, but it's really shocking.

"I've not heard of any mishaps before on this river. Generally if you go up to three or four grade rivers you get some danger spots, but this is a relatively safe river."

Another canoeist, James Roberts, said: "It's quite an easy river to paddle. There aren't many danger areas so it's good fun, but safe".

A post-mortem examination on Stewart is yet to be carried out.