HEARTFELT tributes poured in for Callum Baker-Osborne following the discovery of a body days after the teenager went missing in the water in Poole.
Family members and emergency services paid tribute to Mr Baker-Osborne who was unaccounted for after an incident off Rockley Park on Monday afternoon, sparking a major multi-agency search lasting for several days.
Mr Baker-Osborne's mum Ann Marie Osborne and brother Ryan both paid tribute to the “beautiful” 18-year-old and said he would ‘always be in their hearts’.
Posting on Facebook on Friday morning, Ms Osbourne said: “With the hardest of hearts and disbelief that I have to say that today they found my beautiful son and to my sadness it wasn’t the way we wanted to find him, but he has gone to his dad and his baby and I know his dad will keep him safe and happy.
Ms Osbourne added: “My baby will always be in heart and with us. My beautiful boy.”
Hundreds of messages were left on social media with people passing on their condolences with members of the local community encouraging others to light candles in their homes on Friday evening in memory of the teen.
By Friday afternoon, a GoFundMe fundraising appeal initially set up to raise money for clothes, supplies and other items needed during the search effort had raised almost £2,500 after surpassing the goal of £500.
Organisers said: "Money raised can hopefully go towards giving Callum the send-off he deserves."
Earlier this week, Dorset Police were asked to issue a message of thanks on behalf of Mr Baker-Osborne's family for the support shown by the local community, with donations of clothing, shoes, blankets, food and drink delivered to them at Rockley Park. The family said that they were overwhelmed by the generosity of members of the public.
Emergency services also posted messages of condolence on social media.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our deepest condolences, throughout the search we had hoped for a different outcome. RIP.”
Meanwhile, Kimmeridge Coastguard said: “Our thoughts and prayers to family and friends and all involved in the huge search effort this week.”
Broadcaster Piers Morgan also paid tribute to the teenager praising his "incredible heroism". Posting on Twitter, Mr Morgan said: "Incredible heroism. RIP Callum."
Extensive searches were carried out by land, sea and air following the incident to locate Mr Baker-Osborne following his disappearance on Monday.
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