AN inquest into the death of a 13-year-old boy who tragically died in the River Calder was opened this morning.

Bradford Coroners' Court heard Tomi Obi Solomon, who was a Bradford City academy player, drowned in the river at Huntingdon Road, Brighouse, on June 1.

Coroners' officer Christopher Dalby said Tomi, who was born in Leiden in the Netherlands, was with friends when they started to jump into the river from the bridge. 

Tomi also jumped from the bridge, but failed to resurface. Assistance was called to the scene and Tomi was recovered from the water by police divers.

He was pronounced dead at 4.14pm. 

Assistant Coroner Raja Mahmood requested a number of statements including from Tomi's family, his GP, a toxicology report, police, as well as the children with him and any other witnesses present. 

Mr Mahmood adjourned the inquest until September 28 this year and passed his condolences to Tomi's family.

There was devastation at news of the youngster’s death.

City’s academy manager, Neil Matthews, said: “Tomi was very popular and well thought of, by all the staff who had the pleasure of working with him.He will be deeply missed by all involved with Bradford City.”

Ryan Sparks, Bradford City chief executive, added: “We are heartbroken by the news of Tomi’s tragic passing. Our immediate thoughts are with his family, friends, team-mates and coaches.”

Tomi was a pupil at Brighouse High School and headteacher Richard Horsfield released a touching tribute in a letter to parents following the tragedy.

He said students and the local community had been left “deeply upset” at what had happened. 

“Tomi was a positive, friendly and supportive member of our community, who had a wide circle of friends and had built strong relationships with staff,” he said.

“He was always happy to spend time talking about football and his energy and smile were infectious; we are proud to have been part of his life, and to have had him as part of ours.”

Mr Horsfield added: “We will continue to think of his family and all of his friends at this most difficult time and will do all we can as a close-knit school to support them”