Tributes paid to goalkeeper who died after getting into difficulty while swimming

Rick Williams, a goalkeeper with Wrexham Disability FC, died on Sunday afternoon at Ty Mawr Country Park in Cefn Mawr.

The 31-year-old had been swimming across the River Dee with friends when he got into difficulty and despite desperate attempts by members of the public and emergency services, he died at the scene.

A spokesman for Wrexham Disabled Supporters Association said: "Rick, who was one of our goalkeepers, was a great example of not letting his learning disability get in the way of his everyday life.

"Rick went out to Ty Mawr with his friends and project leader Wayne Greenshields who was Rick's best friend. He sadly collapsed at the side of the River Dee after swimming across. Although members of the public and friends tried to resuscitate Rick it wasn't to be.

"Only yesterday he helped the club do a bag packing fundraiser at Asda to raise vital funds. He was a valued member of our team on and off the pitch.

"We are absolutely devastated at Wrexham Disability FC. We're one big family and Rick will be sadly missed by all the volunteers and players."

Club manager Carl Austin: "Everyone involved with Wrexham DSA FC are devastated. No words can explain the bond we have at our club but we are one big family. To lose someone at any age is tough but at 31 with no health issues is incredibly hard to process.

"Rick was a one off with a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. We would like to thank the members of the public who tried to help Rick, Merit and the emergency services who tried to help him at the scene. My thoughts go out to his family and Wayne's family who he was very close to."

Friends have also taken to the Wrexham FC Disabled Supporters Association Facebook page to pay tribute to Mr Williams.

Paul Brown, former chaplain at Wrexham FC, said: "So sad to hear the loss of such a gentle giant and put his heart and soul into everything he did. Rest in peace."

Jennie Pritchard-Jones said: "RIP Rick, thoughts to you and family, and friends, known you all your short life, taken to soon xxx"

Teresa Odonnell said: "Oh my lord such very sad news. He was a lovely lad" Rest in peace Rick – thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time xx"

A spokesman for North Wales Police said: "North Wales Police can confirm that they were alerted by the Welsh Ambulance Service to an incident which occurred at 2.51pm on Sunday on the River Dee in the Newbridge area near Wrexham.

"A 31-year-old male local to the area was taken ill in the river and despite best efforts was pronounced dead at the scene.

"It is too early to speculate what caused his death but it is not believed that there any suspicious circumstances.

"His family and next of kin have been informed, as has the coroner."