First picture of Ross Brian who drowned in River Coquet

Aug 4 2009 by Sophie Doughty, The Journal

THIS is the young man who drowned while swimming in a Northumberland river with friends.

Ross Brian, 20, from Ashington, disappeared in the Coquet at Guyzance, on Friday.

A huge rescue operation was launched, but the efforts of police divers, firefighters and the RAF, were in vain.

Ross’s body was found at around 6.20pm, three hours after he disappeared, near a weir.

Loved ones of the 20-year-old, from Ashington, have been leaving tributes to him, on the social networking website, Facebook.

More than 150 people have joined a group set-up in his memory.

His aunt Angela Angus said: “What can I say, you were a great lad turning into a fantastic man. I will always think of you every day, how you smiled and laughed. You were a caring, loving young lad with a passion for life. What a spirit you had and am very proud of you.”