The family of Orlando Nyero have paid tribute to the ‘caring’ university student, a year after he was found in the Rochdale Canal.
His death in June 2018, along with that of Charlie Pope earlier in the year, helped prompt a campaign calling for a review into safety around Manchester’s waterways.
In a statement his family said: “Orlando you meant so much to us, you cared about everybody and always wanted to help.
“Your smile alone warmed us, your laugh was like music to our ears and you always brighten up the darkest days. Life can never be the same for us without you, we miss your smile, jokes and how caring you were.
“We are left with your beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you are always at our side. It is so hard to describe the amount of pain we experience as a family daily.
“Not a second passes when you’re not in our minds. We weep everyday because the pain is unbearable. But we know that goodbyes are not forever.
“Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we missed you, until we meet again in heaven. We love and missed you so much Orlando.”
The Royal Life Saving Society UK give the following safety advice about nights out and avoiding water:
- Look out for each other when you’ve had a few drinks and make sure you walk home with friends
- Plan your journey home before you go out
- Don’t walk home alongside the water after a night out. Find a better route home
- Make sure your friends get home safely after a night out. Don’t let them walk by the water