Darlington Family Pays Heartfelt Tribute to “Beautiful Soul” Jacob Rutkowski After River Tees Tragedy
20-Year-Old Remembered as Loving Son, Brother, and Boyfriend After Drowning Incident in Gainford
DARLINGTON, UK – June 21, 2025 .The town of Darlington is mourning the tragic and untimely loss of Jacob Rutkowski, a 20-year-old man who tragically lost his life after getting into difficulty in the River Tees on Friday afternoon. The devastating incident unfolded in the quiet village of Gainford, County Durham, where Jacob had been spending time near the river before the day took a sudden and heartbreaking turn.
Emergency services were alerted just after 2:30 p.m. on June 20, prompting a massive rescue effort involving air ambulance crews, mountain rescue teams, police officers, paramedics, a police helicopter, and fire and rescue personnel. Despite their best efforts and rapid response, Jacob could not be saved. His body was later recovered from the water, marking the end of a desperate attempt to bring him home alive.
Now, in the wake of this unimaginable loss, Jacob’s heartbroken family has paid tribute to a young man they describe as a “beautiful soul,” full of love, kindness, and promise.
“Jacob had the biggest heart,” his family shared in a statement. “He was loving, loyal, and generous beyond words. He was a wonderful son, an incredible brother, and a devoted boyfriend. He brought joy into every room he entered and was always the first to make you laugh, even on your worst day.”
Those closest to Jacob recall his genuine warmth, quick wit, and deep passion for life. He had recently begun planning his future with excitement and determination, and was said to be working hard toward building a life he could be proud of.
“He had dreams, big ones,” said one of his close friends. “And the way he loved his family, especially his younger siblings, was just beautiful. He was their hero. He was our hero.”
Jacob’s tragic passing has sent shockwaves through Darlington and the surrounding communities, many of which are reeling from yet another heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that can lie beneath seemingly calm waters. Local officials and safety advocates have once again emphasized the need for caution around rivers and open water, especially as warm weather draws more people to natural swimming spots.
“It’s easy to underestimate rivers like the Tees,” a County Durham emergency services spokesperson said. “Even strong swimmers can quickly find themselves in trouble due to currents, hidden obstacles, or sudden changes in depth.”
A memorial of flowers, notes, and candles has already begun to take shape near the riverbank in Gainford, where Jacob’s final moments played out. Friends and strangers alike have stopped to pay respects, some laying down jerseys and tokens of remembrance, others simply pausing for a silent prayer.
A GoFundMe page launched by friends of the Rutkowski family has begun gathering donations to assist with funeral costs and to support the family in the difficult days ahead. The page describes Jacob as a “light in this world”, whose absence will be felt forever but whose memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Jacob’s schoolmates, co-workers, and neighbors have taken to social media to share their memories and grief, with many echoing a common theme—that his life, though short, was one that deeply touched many.
“He was the kind of person who made you feel like you mattered,” one tribute read. “The world feels a little less bright without him.”
As the Rutkowski family prepares to say their final goodbyes, they have asked for privacy as they grieve their beloved Jacob. They have also expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they’ve received from the community.
“We are completely shattered by this loss,” the family said. “But the love everyone has shown us reminds us that Jacob truly made a difference. Please hold your loved ones close. Life is so fragile.”
Funeral arrangements for Jacob Rutkowski are expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, the community of Darlington stands united in sorrow, holding the Rutkowski family in its heart and honoring the memory of a young man gone far too soon.
Rest in peace, Jacob. Your love, your laughter, and your light will never be forgotten. 🕊️