The family of a 'respectful and kind-hearted' teenager who tragically went missing after swimming in Devon has paid an emotional tribute to him. Michael Oppong Yeboah, 18, was reported missing after he entered the water at East Hoe beach in Plymouth on Monday, March 18.
His mother has expressed her heart-breaking grief in a touching tribute, stating that she has 'lost a great person' and 'will never forget' him.
The University of Plymouth student was known for his selflessness, always prioritising others' happiness. His mother fondly remembered how he would make 'people happy with his funny little jokes'.
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Michael was last seen entering the water at Plymouth Hoe, but sadly did not return to shore. A large-scale search operation was launched, involving Devon and Cornwall Police and the Coastguard, focusing on the area near Tinside Lido.
On Wednesday, April 10, police responded to reports of a body in the water in Plymouth's dockyard. Formal identification is still pending, but Michael's family have been informed, reports Plymouth Live.
In a statement given to PlymouthLive today, Friday, April 12, his mother shared: "Michael was born on 26 of August 2005 at 9:29 at Watford General Hospital. He was baptised at Holy Road, Catholic Church Watford on the 28th of May, 2011."
"He was a very respectful, kind-hearted, humble, peaceful and God-fearing individual. He loved the company of others and his friends and always made sure to put others happiness first."
"He loved spending time with and looking after children. Michael had infectious smile like that of an angel. He always made me forget about my personal issues whenever he was with me."
"He had a cat that I'm currently looking after and he loved animals; he always hated seeing dead animals on the street. He loved swimming and became a lifeguard at Watford leisure centre."
"Michael attended Chater Infant School, Chater Junior School and then moved onto secondary education at Westfield Academy where he finally ended up at Plymouth and spent his final days. He was also a former pupil of Watford African Caribbean supplementary school. Michael worked very hard on his studies and was a great help to me at home."
"He used some of his time to help out at the Watford food bank as a volunteer (Macs Clinic, Watford). His work experience at Macs clinic found him being spoken highly of by staff expressing his good behaviour. Michael generally loved cooking, sharing and making people happy with his funny little jokes."
"I know you had so many wishes you wanted me to fulfil and now that you're gone I hope that you pray all those wishes come true."
"Michael was my son, friend, brother, my everything. I have lost a great person in my life and I will never forget you Michael, I know you have gone to be with your maker. Rest well angel and we shall meet you again at the last trumpet. Your mum, Doris Kyeremaa."
A community fundraiser has been set up to support Michael's family. The initial target of £1,000 has already been surpassed, with a total of £4,383 raised for the family so far.
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