Overview

• Jacob Rutkowski, a 20-year-old from Darlington, drowned in the River Tees at Gainford on June 20 after getting into difficulty.
• A multi-agency response featuring an air ambulance, mountain rescue crews, a police helicopter, paramedics, fire units, drones and search dogs was deployed to the scene.
• Durham Police confirmed the recovery of his body later that day and notified his family.
• The Rutkowski family launched a GoFundMe campaign that had raised over £1,650 toward its £4,500 target by June 21.
• Friends and neighbours described Jacob as having a “heart of gold” and urged caution at the Gainford stretch of the river.