Dillan Brown, 13, was recovered from Pigeon’s Cove on the Great Orme but later died

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Tributes have been paid to a schoolboy who died after falling into the sea off the coast of north Wales.

Dillan Brown, 13, from Llandudno is understood to have slipped, hit his head and plunged into the water on Saturday while playing with a friend.

Police said a teenager was recovered by coastguards at Pigeon’s Cove on the Great Orme at about 9.20pm on Saturday.

The pupil from Ysgol John Bright school was airlifted to Bangor hospital but later died. It happened as the coastal town hosted the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza, an annual three-day festival.

Samuel Williams, who has a child with Dillan’s sister Kelly, said in a statement on behalf of relatives: “He was a happy, polite soul, always well mannered and loved his YouTube and Xbox. He was absolutely fantastic with my daughter Lilly-May, he was a brilliant uncle to her.

“Last night was a tragic turn of events – he had gone to Pigeon’s Cove with a friend and unfortunately he slipped, hit his head and fell into the sea. Unfortunately he did not survive. His friend tried to help but he couldn’t get to him in time and so he was airlifted to hospital.

“On behalf of his mother, brothers and sisters, they would like to thank everybody for their kind words and actions in this tragic situation. Although this has absolutely destroyed the family, their faith in humanity has been restored.”

A fundraiser was started to cover the schoolboy’s funeral and support his grieving family and a memorial gig for the teenager would be played on 24 May, Williams said.

North Wales police said there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Supt Nick Evans said: “Our deepest condolences are with the family. We would ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

The coroner has been informed.