Tributes have been paid to a university student from Bristol who was tragically found dead in a river in Oxford. Fintan Feltham, 18, has been described as “adventurous”, “friendly,” and “loving” by his grieving family in a heartbreaking tribute released through Thames Valley Police following the student’s death last week.
Fintan, a student at the University of Reading, was found near Osney Mead, Oxford on Tuesday, December 3, days after he had been reported missing on November 27, the Reading Chronical reports. In a statement issued today (Monday, December 9) Fintan’s family said they are “totally devastated” at his loss.
“Fintan was the person who brought energy to the room,” the statement says. “Everyone warmed to him. He had so many positive attributes, cheeky, adventurous, intelligent, practical, resourceful, independent, determined, a great sense of humour and friendly just to name but a few. Most importantly he was loving to everyone he knew.
“We, Fintan’s mum, dad and younger brother are totally heartbroken. Along with his girlfriend, our family members, his many, many friends and everyone else who was part of life.
“Fintan was born and lived in Bristol, before leaving in September to go to Reading University to study Politics and International Relations. He attended Charborough Road Primary School and Orchard School Bristol. He then went on to study A-levels at City of Bristol College.”
It continues: “Fintan couldn’t wait to join the Army Cadet Force and as soon as he was old enough, which was at the age of 12, he joined a local Bristol detachment. Fintan was passionate about Cadets, and he thrived in that environment.
“Testimony of this, is that he was promoted to Sergeant Major whilst on a cadet exercise at Royal Sandhurst. His first task was to march the squad around the Royal Sandhurst Parade Ground.
“He also had the privilege of being selected to represent the Army Cadet Force at the King’s Coronation and the great honour of marching down The Mall to Buckingham Palace. Fintan was very happy to be selected to join The Oxford University Officer’s Training Corps and have the opportunity to continue to do one of the things he enjoyed most.
“Fintan was keen to see the world. We are glad he went travelling in the summer and visited many European Countries. Fintan also qualified as a swim instructor and taught in both Bristol and Reading. We are extremely proud of all these achievements in addition to many more.
“We and everyone else who was part of Fintan’s life are totally devastated and finding it extremely hard to comprehend his loss. Not only do we now have a huge hole in our hearts, we will never have the opportunity to see the amazing future he had the potential to fulfil. However, we take some comfort from Fintan accomplishing so much in the last few years which many of us don’t achieve in a full lifetime.”