TRAGEDY AS MAN (22) DIES DURING SWIM IN LAKE

Tributes paid to popular former Voyager pupil

Tributes have been paid to a Peterborough powerlifter who died when he got into difficulty while swimming at the weekend.

Kristers Bednarskis died on Saturday just days after his 22nd birthday in the incident at Bawsey Pits near King’s Lynn.

Tributes to Kristers, who lived in Clarence Street, Millfield, and was a former pupils of the Voyager School, have now been paid as friends raise money to help his family. He leaves behind a brother and two sisters, as well as his parents.

A fundraising page has been set up on Gofundme, with more than £4,000 already raised.

The page was set up by Ilja Jevtusenko, who said: “He was just an amazing person, who you can talk to about anything, and you always know he will be there for you when you need him. He was such a great friend, we could laugh for hours with him when together.

“He was a strong and committed person he would set goals and he would smash them. He was just an incredible person.

“There are no words to explain how much everyone will miss him, he was an amazing friend, son and brother.

“Not a day will go by where we won’t think of him, people from many different places will all miss his presence , gym, work, home.

“He has left his mark in everyone’s’ hearts and that is where he will stay forever.”

The fundraising page will help Kristers’ family pay funeral costs and to buy a headstone.

A number of people have paid tribute to Kristers on the site while donating to the cause. Nicola Daintith said: “Taken far too young. An excellent young man.”

While Christine Townsend said: “You were the kindest and most gentle young man I’ve ever had the privilege to teach xx.” Damon Lewis described him as ‘an excellent human being.’

Norfolk police are still investigating the incident. Emergency services were called at around 11.30am to reports of a man missing after getting into difficulty whilst in the water.

Superintendent Malcolm Cooke from Norfolk Constabulary said: “Colleagues from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service assisted officers in the search.

“The body of the man, aged in his 20s, was recovered from the water and he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Whilst enquiries are continuing to establish the exact circumstances leading up to the man’s death, this is a tragic situation.

“Without wanting to prejudge what has happened here I would urge people to take the utmost care around water and to be aware of hidden dangers such as fast flowing currents, underwater obstacles and weeds.”

To donate to the appeal, visit https://www.gofundme. com/f/kristers-funeral-fees

Kristers Bednarskis died on Saturday after getting into difficulty swimming in Bawsey Pits near King’s Lynn.