TRIBUTES have been paid to a Rhyl solider who died following what has been described as a "tragic" incident.

Fusilier Kevin Larkin, who was serving as a reservist with 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh, was canoeing in Llangollen when he fell into the River Dee, close to the Horseshoe Falls.

The temperatures were as low as 2C on Sunday, the day Mr Larkin fell into the freezing waters.

The canoeist was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition, but later died.

Mr Larkin was aged in his late 20s. North Wales Police said he was with a group of five people when he got into difficultly on the river and suffered a suspected cardiac arrest.

A spokesperson for Army Wales said: "We can confirm that a soldier who was serving as a Reservist with 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh has died following an incident. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends at this difficult time.”