he family of a ‘charming’ rugby player who tragically died after swimming in the Thames have demanded more warning signs to prevent the river from killing more teenagers.

Witnesses described Jordan wading through the water with two friends before disappearing below the surface after attempting to cross the river to a sailing club on the opposite bank.

Jordan’s heartbroken family told The Standard there should be more warnings on the grassy shore, referred to by locals as a ‘beach’, but which features a steep underwater drop and strong underwater currents. .

“It’s clear that Jordan touched the lives of a lot during his too short time living with us,” his parents Shaun and Sibo Veira told Standard.

“As a family, the past few days have been difficult as we have worked to cope with our loss, however, now we think it is important that we, Jordan’s family, say a few words on his behalf.

“Jordan was a charmer, a fun loving friend, a loving son and a person who cared about everything around him. We believe he wished his death had resulted in significant change in an area that has claimed the lives of so many other teens and will continue to do so until its dangers are addressed.

“How is it that so many young people can lose their lives in unmarked areas along the river in the Thames Valley?”

“In the area where Jordan died, an area often wrongly described as a beach, you know that after a few meters there is a vertical drop that is easy to miss and causes loss of life.

“We would like the area where Jordan lost his life to have appropriate warning signage where it no longer has any.”

Kiara, the sister of the avid Arsenal fan, had rushed from Italy to join the search.

On a fundraiser for his funeral she paid tribute to her younger brother: “He was cherished by everyone around him and never failed to make people laugh, his laugh alone was contagious.

“He never complained when there was something missing, even though he was in my heart, deserving everything. He would never hesitate to put someone he loved first. I am proud to have had the opportunity to call him a brother. I had begged God to have a sister and was lucky enough to have the most wonderful little brother a brother or sister could wish for. “

Lee Myall, his coach at Maidenhead Rugby Football Club, coached Jordan after being recruited from another club at the age of 12.

He told Standard: “He was just an absolute superstar. He was amazing. It’s completely tragic, he had just left school and had his whole life ahead of him.

“He was very popular, some of his teammates were with him by the river that horrible day – it’s a big shock to them.

“His teammates are so young they will never forget him. At 16, there is a slight air of invincibility in them, so it hit them hard. “

Paying tribute to the U-16 forward, Myall added, “He was such a good boy, he had such a great sense of humor, very contagious.

“You would still want him on your team.

“When we were coaching you would hear the guys laughing, you would go and it was always Jordan.

“He was never disrespectful or bewildered, but he was making those fabulously mischievous remarks that really bind the team.

“I saw him grow in his confidence on and off the pitch – he always played with a smile on his face.

“If he continued his rate of improvement, he could have reached the sky.”

Witness Naomi Hayward, 38, said she saw Jordan’s friends desperately try to save him by diving underwater as he vanished from sight.

“They came back to shore and I could hear them say ‘We think he drowned, he didn’t come overboard.’ They were on the phone telling their families that they thought he had drowned.

Police were also called to Boulters Lock on the Thames in Maidenhead earlier Monday after a report of a woman’s body in the river.

The force said the woman’s death was considered unexplained and formal identification had yet to take place, with officers working to establish the circumstances and identify a close relative.

Seven years ago, 13-year-old Kyrece Francis tragically died while swimming in a similar stretch of the Thames.

Kyrece’s relative, Silma Francis, offered her condolences to Jordan’s family on Facebook: “We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the teenager who was lost in this tragic way.

“We have known since losing Kyrece Francis how painful it was every day, it left a deep hole in our hearts. May God continue to bless you at this sad time.”

Thames Valley Police said Jordan’s death was “unexplained” but “dead not suspicious” and prepared a file for the Berkshire coroner’s office.

Bucks Fire and Rescue said, “Even good swimmers can be surprised by cold water and hidden dangers such as fast currents, deep holes, soft mud, weeds or garbage.”

Officers from the Marlow Ward Police Team added, “Following the recent tragic events, the Marlow Ward Police Team would like to remind you to be extra careful around the river. Never go out of your depth even if you are a good swimmer, the currents are unpredictable.