Family pay tribute to teenager Ben Quartermaine who died in waters near Clacton Pier
The family of Ben Quartermaine, 15, from Clacton-on-Sea, have paid tribute to him. Picture: ESSEX POLICE - Credit: Archant
The family of a teenage boy who died after getting into difficulty in the waters near Clacton Pier have described him as ‘a happy, loving and independent boy’.
Ben Quartermaine, 15, from Clacton-on-Sea, was last seen in the waters near the Essex pier on Thursday evening, when police responded to concerns for the safety of two teenagers.
One of the boys was rescued from the water by a RNLI lifeboat crew however a search for the second boy was called off when police announced a body had been discovered on Saturday morning.
His family have issued a tribute in memory of the teenager.
It reads: “Ben Quartermaine, 15, from Clacton-on-Sea sadly lost his life in what can only be described as a terrible accident.
“He was a happy, loving and independent boy who would go out of his way to make others laugh and smile.
“Ben had a huge love for motorbikes and was often at bike events with family and friends.
Most Read
- 1 £1.5million project set to turn north Essex towns into giant gaming areas
- 2 Man identified after dog walker threatened in Sudbury
- 3 School apologises for GCSE paper error as it falls to inadequate
- 4 Andy Warren: Why keeping Sam Morsy is vital for Ipswich Town
- 5 Weather warning for Suffolk as thunderstorms expected to affect travel
- 6 Man caught drink driving over three times the legal limit in Suffolk town
- 7 Suffolk campsite named among the best in the UK by the Guardian
- 8 Suffolk celebrates! Full list of county's 185 street parties for the Queen's jubilee
- 9 A12 reopens after air ambulance called to three-lorry crash
- 10 Plans for 115 homes in village gets backing to move forward
“He was looking forward to his 16th birthday when he could do his CBT and get out on his own moped, which we were in the process of doing up for him as a present.
“He was loved by everyone that had the pleasure to know him and will be missed by all.
“We ask that at this very difficult time that we are left alone to grieve and come to terms with our loss.”
Details of the funeral will be announced later by the family.
Anyone wishing to send flowers have been asked to donate to the RNLI instead.
“The RNLI went above and beyond in the search for Ben”, his family added.
Police are not treating Ben’s death as suspicious but the cause of death is currently unknown and enquiries are ongoing.
A file will be submitted to the Coroner.
