Family devastated by flood tragedy

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Max Sullivan-Webb, 17, also known as Max Weeden, died when surging torrents pinned him against a grille at the entrance to an underground storm drain.

One of Max's friends jumped in to try to save him but the current was too strong.

Max's mother and stepfather, Katy and Tim Weeden, said they were "devastated by his loss" and the loss of the "fantastic young man he was destined to have become."

The tragedy happened in a field off Eastfield Road, Witney, Oxfordshire, across town from Max's home in Judds Close.

In a joint statement issued by police, the Sullivan-Webb (Max's birth surname) and Weeden (his stepfather's surname) families told of their grief.

"Max was just like any other teenager. He loved music, computer games and riding his BMX with his mates. But in other ways he was a real individual and didn't follow the crowd," the statement said.

"He loved art and wanted to work as an animator. He loved Japanese 'anime' so much he dreamed of going to Japan and was even teaching himself to speak Japanese.

"He was kind, gentle and very laid back. He never took life too seriously and was always laughing and joking. We will have so many fond memories of him. We are devastated by his loss, especially as we will not be able to experience the fantastic young man he was destined to have become."

It is understood Max fell face-down into the water and the pressure pushed him against a grille on a drainage tunnel.