David Moss tributes: 'Teenager's tragic death has robbed Motocross of future star'

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 16-year-old boy who died during a fishing trip.

David Moss was pulled from a pool at Moreton Fisheries, near Congleton, on Saturday afternoon, and could not be revived.

It is not yet known what caused his death, but it is believed he may have fallen into the water after being taken ill.

Keen fisherman David, of Healey Avenue, Knypersley, was also passionate about motocross and would ride with Wem Motocross Club most weekends.

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Members of the club say they have been left devastated by his death.

Secretary Steve Payne said David was the club's senior champion this year.

"He was a fantastic kid. What's happened is an absolute tragedy," he said.

"This has knocked everybody here for six. Words can't explain how everybody is feeling."

The club will now retire David's racing number – which was 96 – as a tribute to him.

Mr Payne said: "He was an out-and-out talent. The motocross fraternity has been robbed of a future star."

David was also a member of the Carp Crusaders – a group set up on Facebook for people who love fishing.

Its founder member, Billy Cosford, has started raising money in David's name after hearing about his death.

Mr Cosford, aged 33, from Essex, said: "David was one of the first people to join the group and I remember chats we had and pictures he sent in of himself, happy as can be, with a stunning fish that he had managed to catch.

"The tragic news has hit the group hard, so I decided to start a fund for his family. Hopefully it will help them in some small way."

Police have launched an investigation to piece together the circumstances of the tragedy.

A post-mortem will be carried out to try to establish how David died.

Family liaison officers are also supporting David's parents, Stephen and Dawn, and his brother Robert.

DS Rob Balfour, from Cheshire Police, said: "Detectives are continuing with the investigation into the tragic circumstances."

Teachers and pupils at Biddulph High School, where David had been a pupil, also paid tribute to the teenager.

Headteacher Thomas Abbott said: "We are all shocked and saddened by the death of David. He was an extremely popular, happy student."

And friends yesterday continued to post messages on a Facebook tribute page set up in David's memory.

Jackie Shelley wrote: "I can not believe you have been taken away in the prime of your life, you have touched the lives of so many people. The world is a much duller place without you. Sleep tight."

Leah Deveroux wrote: "Thanks for all the laughs, you really knew how to keep everyone smiling."