Ryde Academy has paid tribute to “wonderful, intelligent student and talented artist” Chris Koppany, whose body was found by police on Saturday (August 24).

The 18-year-old, who was a student at Ryde Academy since Year 7, was found dead following a major search operation.

The school is opening today (Tuesday, August 27) for students, staff and the wider community to come together.

Ryde Academy said the opening is not a memorial, but there are plans to hold an event commemorating Chris in the new school term.

Will Doyle, vice principal of Ryde Academy, paid tribute to Chris, saying: “We were all devastated to hear the tragic news about Chris Koppany, and our immediate thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this impossibly difficult time.

“Chris was with us at Ryde Academy since he started secondary school in Year 7, and will be remembered with great fondness by staff and students alike. 

“Chris was a wonderful, intelligent student and talented artist. He embodied the spirit of Ryde as he strived to be remarkable every day.

“He was always willing to support events, whether it be showing around people at open evenings, baking for our Macmillan Coffee Morning or building a wooden car prop for a dance show with very short notice.

"He was uniquely talented in so many ways.  

“He had such a bright future ahead of him, having secured a place at The Arts University in Plymouth to study Craft and Material Practices. 

“Our focus now is on providing support to the school community as we all come to terms with this heartbreaking news.

“The death of a student is one of the hardest things a school ever has to face. 

“It is always a desperate tragedy, and particularly so under such circumstances."

Ryde Academy is opening its sixth form from 9am for the community to come together and support each other, access specialist services and receive information on further support networks.

A file on Chris's death will be prepared for the coroner.