Family tribute to flood death boy

Ryan Joe Parry, from the Gleadless area of the city, was swept off his feet while watching the River Sheaf at Millhouses on Monday afternoon.

Mandy and Chris Parry said they had been inundated with flowers and cards.

The boy's death has left his schoolmates "shocked and saddened", his head teacher said.

In a statement Mr and Mrs Parry said Ryan was very popular.

Family 'devastated'

"Other children would come knocking on the door wanting to play with him. He was a very kind boy who put everyone before himself," they said.

"He was a very adventurous lad and if there was a tree to climb he would climb it."

The couple said their son enjoyed all types of sport, particularly ju jitsu, and loved going to the cinema.

"Our son was so lovable he was unbelievable. We are devastated by his loss."

Bob Evans, the head teacher at King Ecgbert School which Ryan attended, said staff and pupils were deeply saddened by the teenager's death.

'Exceptional event'

In a statement Mr Evans said: "It is with a sense of great upset and sadness to the school to hear of the tragic loss of Ryan Perry.

"We will be offering support to our pupils from our own and our local authority's resources.

"We naturally want to pass on our condolences to the family at this very difficult time."

Ch Supt Jon House, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "Sadly, it appears that Ryan was on his way home from school with friends. Because it was such an exceptional event yesterday, they went over to look at the river.

"They, I think, went a little too close... and unfortunately and very sadly, Ryan was taken into the river."

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