Drowned teen Augusto Zacarias was promising footballer
A tragic 15-year-old who drowned in a disused quarry while on holiday was a promising footballer who hoped to play professionally, his devastated relatives have said.
A tragic 15-year-old who drowned in a disused quarry while on holiday was a promising footballer who hoped to play professionally, his devastated relatives have said.
The family of Augusto Zacarias today described him as their "pride and joy" after he died falling into swollen waters at the marl hole pool at the back of the Crooked House pub in Himley.
Augusto was visiting family from Portugal with his parents, Paulina and Pedro, as well as his young brother, and had been in the country less than three weeks. He had only days ago celebrated his 15th birthday.
It is believed Augusto was staying with relatives in the High Arcal area of Sedgley and had gone to the quarry with his friends and cousin, a former pupil of High Arcal School.
His mother and father, today spoke of their grief at losing their eldest child.
They said: "Augusto was our first child, who we loved with all our hearts. He was a loving son and older brother to Samuel.
"Augusto loved to play football and hoped to play professionally one day.
"He was a very sensible young man and had begun to make plans for the future should he not have been successful as a footballer. He planned to continue his studies and eventually work in engineering.
"Augusto had lots of positive aims and had a bright future. He was a lovely child and our pride and joy.
"Our son's passing is a great loss to us as a family. He will be deeply missed and forever in our thoughts."
Augusto's body was pulled from the water at about 8.30pm on Wednesday following a seven-hour search of the murky waters.
Family friend Shannon Southall, who set up a Facebook memorial page, said: "He was kind-hearted, with a lovable temperament."
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