13-year-old boy found dead in River Taff after massive search operation

 Aryan Ghoniya, 13, who was found dead in the River Taff on Tuesday 

In an incident that unfolded on Tuesday, a 13-year-old boy who was reported to be missing in Forest Farm Road at around 4.45pm was found dead an hour later due to accidental drowning.

After a big search operation was conducted by the police, paramedics, the fire service and lifeguards, Aryan Ghoniya could not be resuscitated after he was found near Melingriffith water pump in River Taff, Whitchurch, Wales.

The police started conducting further investigation into the incident on Wednesday and blocked entry to a footpath near the scene. Many residents nearby could tell that something had gone seriously wrong when they had arrived a day ago.

Samantha Camilleri, a resident in Whitchurch, remembered Tuesday’s commotion and said, “There were sirens going off constantly and I’d realised immediately that they were looking for someone. The helicopter came down very close.”

“Everyone knows one other here and it will come as a huge shock to the community. Those poor parents too – absolutely heart-breaking,” she added.

A woman living near Forest Farm Road said that the sheer number of fire engines made her believe that there was a forest fire. They were stationed there first before moving to the water pump.

The family of the young boy are distressed and heartbroken after his untimely demise. They released a statement that said: “The family is devastated by the tragic loss of Aryan Ghoniya, beloved son of Jitendra and Hina and caring brother to Naviya. We are extremely grateful to all the emergency services for their efforts in the search for Aryan. We are also grateful to the police for their ongoing support.”

“We are touched by the support received from the community, Danescourt Primary School and Radyr Comprehensive School, both of which he loved. Our thanks also to the A&E staff at Heath hospital.”

“Aryan was our ‘Little Professor’, brilliant at maths, an all-rounder academically. He was very charming and caring boy with warm personality and was loved by all who knew him. There will never be a day when we will not miss him and he will remain in our hearts forever.”

“We strongly urge all parents to explain to their children the danger of playing in rivers. We do not wish any parents to go through the tragedy we are going through.”

Many people paid tribute to Ghoniya by leaving balloons, flowers and tributes in his honour under the bridge on Wednesday afternoon.

On Tuesday evening Detective Inspector Abi Biddle said, “At 4.45pm today, Tuesday June 21, a report was received of children in the River Taff near Forest Farm Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff and one boy was missing. An extensive search was carried out by police, fire, ambulance, coastguard and the police helicopter.”

“The missing 13-year-old boy was located in the river at around 5.45pm and, despite the efforts of the emergency services, he was unable to be resuscitated. The boy’s family has been informed and are being supported at this time. HM Coroner has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.”