Mohammed Hussain's family said they did not understand why he jumped
A 15-year-old boy has died after jumping from a bridge into the River Thames in Oxford.
Mohammed Hussain jumped off Donnington Bridge, near Meadow Lane, on Friday evening.
He was pulled from the water after a two-hour search and taken to the city's John Radcliffe Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
His cousin Siama Begum said: "He didn't like swimming, he didn't like going near water. We just don't understand."
She described him as "a really cheeky, really chirpy person", adding: "He was always the centre of attention. He loved to be mischievous towards others, especially his mum and sisters.
"He always had a smile on his face and was very popular with friends and family and everyone.
"He was full of fun, jokes, [and was] looking forward to starting college".
Thames Valley Police said it believed a girl had also jumped off the bridge but Mohammed, known to his family and friends as Hussain, did not resurface.
It said it was not treating the incident as suspicious.
'Hidden dangers'
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service sent a rescue boat and specialist fire and rescue teams to the river.
Police are urging witnesses to come forward
Simon Belcher, from the fire service, said: "When crews arrived there were several people in the water bravely trying to rescue [him].
"In this hot weather it can be very tempting to cool down by taking a swim in the river. The unseen hazards make this very dangerous and we would always recommend a supervised pool with a lifeguard on duty."
Matt Stokes, a French and Spanish student at Oxford University, watched the search from the bridge.
He said: "It was a very strange atmosphere.
"There were about 80 people on the bridge, a kayak and two dinghies in the water, and a lot of policemen with torches.
"They'd brought a trolley and a bike from the water beforehand so I think people were hoping it would be something else like that.
"It was quite shocking."
Det Insp Rob France said: "It was a warm evening and there were lots of people by the river at that time and we would urge them to come forward and speak to us.
"The incident is not being treated as suspicious, however it is essential that we understand as fully as possible the events leading up to the tragic death of this young man.
"We would also like to emphasise that while it might be tempting to jump into the river during this hot weather, there are hidden dangers under the water and so we would advise against doing so."
