Bournemouth deaths: 17-year-old from Southampton described as 'fabulous young man' by grieving family

By Tom Morton
Published 4th Jun 2023, 17:17 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2023, 17:26 BST
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The 17-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach this week has been described by his family as a ‘fabulous young man’.

Joe Abbess, from Southampton, was ‘kind and generous, loving and caring, hardworking and funny’, according to a family statement issued by Dorset Police.

A 12-year-old girl, named in reports as Sunnah Khan, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, also died in the incident.

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A man in his 40s who was ‘on the water’ at the time was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, and was released under investigation on Thursday while police inquiries continue.

Joe Abbess,17, from Southampton, who has been named by police as the boy who died after getting into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach on Wednesday Pictuire released by Dorset PoliceJoe Abbess,17, from Southampton, who has been named by police as the boy who died after getting into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach on Wednesday Pictuire released by Dorset Police
Joe Abbess,17, from Southampton, who has been named by police as the boy who died after getting into difficulty in the water off Bournemouth beach on Wednesday Pictuire released by Dorset Police

A pleasure boat has been impounded by police.

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In a statement, Joe's family said: ‘We are heartbroken and devastated at the death of our Joe. He was a wonderful son and brother who is sadly missed.

‘His family and friends will always love him and we are incredibly proud of the fabulous young man he was. He was kind and generous, loving and caring, hardworking and funny.