Tragedy at Rudyard Lake: Teen Sonny Leese Clark Dies After Drowning
Family Pays Emotional Tribute
The heartbroken family of 17-year-old Sonny Leese Clark have described their son as “lovely, kind, and good-natured” after he tragically drowned in Staffordshire’s Rudyard Lake.
They remembered Sonny as a “fantastic young man” – adventurous, fearless, and always quick to smile. “You were a very special brother to your siblings, and our lives are diminished for your loss,” they said. “We 1 you and always will. Your life was just beginning; your book was too short.”
Distressing Incident at Rudyard Lake
On the evening of Friday, February 23, Sonny and two friends fell into the lake and found themselves in trouble. Emergency services rushed to the scene around 9:30pm.
While Sonny’s two friends managed to escape and were treated then discharged from hospital, the young teenager tragically did not survive.
Search Teams Recover Sonny’s Body
Specialist search teams conducted a relentless search of Rudyard Lake. Sonny’s body was recovered late on Sunday at around 5pm, leaving the community in shock and deep mourning.
Police Offer Support and Condolences
Staffordshire Police have been supporting Sonny’s family through this incredibly difficult time.
Chief Inspector Mark Barlow of the Moorlands policing team said: “Our thoughts and condolences are very much with the boy’s family at this distressing time. We also want to thank the public for their cooperation during the search.”
Sonny’s tragic death is a stark reminder of how precious life is — and why we must cherish every moment with those we love.
