'I'm worried that people will forget and this will happen again'

Mum talks of heartache at the anniversary of her son's death

- DANIEL HALL

THE mum of a teenager who died after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne in Northumberland has paid tribute to her “beautiful-natured boy” on the first anniversary of the tragedy which took his life.

Aras Rudzianskas, 13, and David Radut, 14, both from Newcastle, were pulled away by the current while in the River Tyne near the bridge at Ovingham, Northumberland, on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

David's body was found in the water, following a thorough search of the river, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Aras was rescued from the river and airlifted to hospital but died three days later on Tuesday, May 21. It was reported that he had jumped into the River Tyne to help his friend David, but the current proved too strong for both boys. Aras’ mum, Egle Rudzianskiene, 42, spoke ahead of the first anniversary of her son’s death. She described a funny, caring and kind boy who would go out of his way to help others. Photographs of the smiling teen decorate the Cowgate home Egle shares with Aina, her daughter and Aras’ twin sister, now 14.