Man found dead after fall into river is named

A MAN found dead in Newcastle Emlyn after falling into the river Teifi has been named locally as 22-year-old Jem Cole.

Mr Cole is believed to have entered the water at around noon on Thursday in the outskirts of the town.

A large search was launched involving police, fire crews, a rescue helicopter and rescue boats. After almost 10 hours his body was found and pulled from the river.

The mayor of Newcastle Emlyn, Peter Lewis, said the town was in shock.

“I didn’t know the young man personally but it’s a real tragedy,” he said. “We don’t know the full details of what happened yet but it’s a great shame and a terrible loss of life.”

Dyfed-Powys Police said in a statement: “Following a report of a man falling into the river at Newcastle Emlyn, Dyfed-Powys Police can sadly confirm the body of a 22-year-old local man has been recovered from the river Teifi.

“He has been formally identified by next of kin.”

They also confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

It’s understood that Mr Cole had worked at the Bunch of Grapes, a pub and restaurant in Newcastle Emlyn.

Tributes have been paid to him on social media, with Maesglas Football Club, for whom Mr Cole used to play, describing him as “a very talented footballer and a great kid on and off the pitch”.

Another friend said of Mr Cole’s death: “It was a pleasure to know you and you were a good soul and my heart breaks thinking that you’ve left us so early.

“I will never forget you you beautiful person.”