Boy, 16, drowns in quarry along with man who tried to rescue him

Tributes were paid today to a 16-year-old London boy who drowned while swimming in Norfolk last week.

Umar Balogun, originally from Waltham Forest, and Ryan Pettengell, 41, at Bawsey Pitts, both got into difficulties while swimming in a disused quarry near King’s Lynn, on Tuesday.

Their bodies were recovered from separate lakes following a major search and rescue operation by emergency services. Mr Pettengell drowned while searching for Umar, who had gone missing.

Today friends took to social media sites to pay tribute to Mr Balogun, also known as ‘Sneakz’.

One friend said: “Just got news of the death of my old school mate Umar Balogun. He was such a funny guy... R.I.P”

Meanwhile another added: “The Good Die Young & My Boy Was Good, Good To Be Around R.I.P. Sneakz Gone But Never Forgotten.”

Mr Balogun, regularly took part in a youth group known as the Gifted Circle Movement, which also posted a statement in honour of the teenager.

A Gifted Circle Movement spokesman said: “On behalf of GCM, I’d appreciate 2 mins and 47secs to appreciate the life of Umar Balogun (AKA Sneakz).

“He was one of the young people that we occasionally worked with and he was a dear friend to many of our young people. On Weds 15th July, we found out that he had sadly passed away after drowning in a quarry lake.

“The news has left many people distraught, confused and inevitably deeply distressed. GCM would appreciate all of the prayers, thoughts, words and support needed [to] comfort all who have been affected by the premature ending of such a young and treasured life.

“May your soul rest in everlasting peace Umar.”

It is believed the Mr Pettengell, 41, who was suffering from a broken arm, drowned after he tried to swim out in an effort to rescue the teenager.

Meanwhile pals last night also revealed a plan to have t-shirts bearing the phrase ‘R.I.P. Sneakz’ printed in honour of Mr Balogun.

One friend said: “Getting My ‘R.I.P Sneakz’ T Shirt tomorrow Who Else Is Down?”

Another added: “R.I.P Sneakz - Gone but never forgotten.”

And another friend paid tribute by posting: “R.I.P Sneakz... was a sudden loss today but my thoughts are with your family.”

Police were last night continuing to carry out inquiries in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive and King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Post-mortem examinations confirmed the cause of death for both as drowning.