'Amazing kid': family pay tribute to 13-year-old pulled from river in Durham

The family of a 13-year-old boy whose body was pulled from the River Wear in County Durham have paid tribute to him as “an amazing kid” who had “a heart for life”.

The body of John James Ritchie-Wilson was recovered by police on Monday morning, a day after he went missing from his home near Bishop Auckland.

His family said on Friday they did not know the full details surrounding his death but that there were signs he may have been bullied.

In a statement released by Durham constabulary, they said: “JJ was an amazing kid, with such an insight and a heart for life. With a passion for dancing and the environment along with so many other things that just speak wonderful stories of his character and the heart that drove him. He was so loved and shall be greatly missed.

“The family and all of those close around them would like to thank you all so much for the massive response from the public in support of the family during this time, it has been so overwhelming. Every single one has been gratefully appreciated.

“At this time we still don’t know the full details for anything. Because of which we’re hoping that nothing is tied to the family’s situation in the forms of anti-bullying or anti-suicide just as we can’t be 100% sure. Yes, there are signs but nothing is confirmed. It wouldn’t be right for us to promote anything, without full knowledge.”

The family thanked well-wishers and appealed for privacy, adding that they were considering a public memorial for the teenager. They added: “JJ you were one of a kind, kid, one of a kind.”

Ritchie-Wilson’s body was recovered hours after a multi-agency search operation was launched following reports that someone was seen going into the river near the Toronto Bridge, or Newton Cap Viaduct, in Bishop Auckland.