Fairlop Waters incident: Family’s heart ‘broken into pieces’ after body of Nicolae Topa, 17, found in lake

Tragic Nicolae Topa’s aunt has launched a Go Fund Me page to raise money for his mum and sister.
Ralph Blackburn
By Ralph Blackburn
Published 5th Jul 2022, 15:56 BST
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The family of the 17-year-old boy who drowned in Fairlop Waters lake on Monday morning have said their “heart is broken in pieces”.

Tragic Nicolae Topa jumped into the water to go for a swim at the country park in Forest Road, Redbridge at around 12.30am.

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He disappeared from sight and pals called the emergency services, with the National Police Air Service, London Fire Brigade and Marine Policing Unit being scrambled to the water sports lake.

Nicolae Topa who died in the Fairlop Waters lake in the early hours of Monday morning. Credit: GoFundMeNicolae Topa who died in the Fairlop Waters lake in the early hours of Monday morning. Credit: GoFundMe
Nicolae Topa who died in the Fairlop Waters lake in the early hours of Monday morning. Credit: GoFundMe

Divers searched the area throughout the day on Monday, and sadly found Nicolae’s body in the evening.

A Met spokesperson said: “The teenager’s family has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

“The death is currently being treated as unexpected.”

Now Nicolae’s aunt, Nicoleta David from Hornchurch, has launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for his distraught mother and sister.

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She revealed the teen has left behind a grieving girlfriend, and said that the family’s heart “is broken into pieces”.

A boy, 17, has reportedly gone missing in the lake at Fairlop Waters, Redbridge. Credit: Adobe StockA boy, 17, has reportedly gone missing in the lake at Fairlop Waters, Redbridge. Credit: Adobe Stock
A boy, 17, has reportedly gone missing in the lake at Fairlop Waters, Redbridge. Credit: Adobe Stock

Nicoleta said: “I am fundraising for my nephew Nicolae Topa who was just 17 years old and passed away on July 4, by going to swim into Fairlop Waters and never getting back to us again.

“He left his mum and sister alone with no one who can take care now about them.

“He left his loved girlfriend and his whole family with a pain that can’t be described in words.

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“We really believe that in the way to the angels you will go to the most shiny one.

“We all love you ever and forever.

“Our heart is broken in pieces with just the thoughts that you will never be back home again.

“Rest in peace my angel.”

The Met Police confirmed that Fairlop Waters Country Park had reopened.

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