School's heartbreaking tribute after student dies on Duke of Edinburgh trip after entering River Wye

School's heartbreaking tribute after student dies on Duke of Edinburgh trip after entering River Wye Leyton Sixth Form launched a GoFundMe to help raise money for the family of Umar Dumbya, 18, who died after entering the River Wye while on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition trip. Heartbreaking tributes poured in for a “much-loved student” who died after entering a river during a Duke of Edinburgh expedition. 18-year-old Umar Dumbuya tragically died after entering the River Wye while taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) expedition in Powys, Wales. Emergency services were called to a popular bathing spot after reports a male had entered the water and could not be found. As family and friends mourned the teenager, his college, Leyton Sixth Form, launched a GoFundMe to help support his loved ones. In the fundraiser, staff said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking loss of a much-loved student who tragically passed away in a sudden accident. “Umar will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and the positive impact he had on his family, friends, classmates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them. Umar’s loss has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who loved them.” His devastated family later paid tribute through Dyfed-Powys Police. They said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother, and grandson. There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. “Umar was a loving boy and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. Umar loved spending time playing basketball, attending the gym and time with friends and family. “We will always remember Umar for his kindness, warmth and sense of humour. His death has left a devastating hole in our family, and we now ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.” The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award also honoured Umar, describing him as an “exceptional young person” who had made a lasting impact on those around him. It said: “From the tributes shared by those who knew and loved him, it’s clear that Umar was an exceptional young person and a much-valued member of his college community. College staff have spoken of his dedication, kindness, dependability and care for others, and of the contribution he made in supporting and promoting DofE within the college. “We remain profoundly saddened by Umar’s death and send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, fellow students and college staff. We will continue to do everything we can to support them at this unimaginably difficult time. “The safety and wellbeing of young people taking part in DofE remains our absolute priority. We continue to support the college and the relevant authorities as they work to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.” To donate to the fundraiser, click here The Mirror has launched the Save Lives For Sam water safety campaign to tackle the UK's growing drowning crisis. Backed by MPs, Olympic champions, national water safety organisations and bereaved families, the campaign is calling for urgent action to make our waters safer. That includes compulsory water safety lessons in schools, a nationwide public awareness campaign, better lifesaving equipment at high-risk waterways, the introduction of Sam's Law, and a dedicated Minister for Water Safety. Find out more about the campaign and how you can support it here.