Friends pay tribute to tragic river teenager

Jordan Roberts, 17, had been playing with his two teenage brothers and a friend in his 20s in the water close to Finchale Priory, near Durham, when he and one of his brothers, Callum, got into difficulties, apparently overcome by the cold, at about 5pm on Monday (September 8).

The older man pulled an unconscious Callum to the riverbank and performed CPR, which police say saved his life. Callum remains in a stable condition in hospital.

But the man was unable to reach Jordan, who disappeared into the water.

Today (Wednesday, September 10), Durham Police confirmed a body found in the river on Tuesday morning was that of the teenager.

A formal identification took place on Tuesday night.

The teenager’s family are being supported by specially trained police officers.

Jordan, from Sunderland, was formerly a pupil at Red House Academy pupil, had a girlfriend named Courtney, was a Sunderland AFC fan and enjoyed fishing.

Mark Macdee, a family friend, said: “He was one of a kind. You would never meet another like him.

“He was one of those people that would make you laugh without even saying anything.

“I still can’t find the words to describe it. It’s a massive loss.”

Friends have also been leaving tributes on the RIP Jordan Roberts Facebook group, which now has more than 500 members.

Adam Nesbitt wrote: “RIP Never Forgotten.”

Nadia Wright said: “Love and miss you loads. We will meet again big lad. Just can’t get my head around what’s happened.”

Kate Jase wrote: “Always and forever part of our family. You will be missed and never forgotten son.”

A memorial is being planned for Downhill skate park, Sunderland, on Friday at 5pm, when friends will light candles and release Chinese lanterns.

Some friends have paid tribute to Jordan by daubing graffiti messages on walls, roofs and a skate park.

Pictures have been posted on the Facebook group, with James Watt writing: “Think it’s a good way to remember Jordan. We’re all missing you bro.”