TRIBUTES have poured in for Joe Abbess, a "brilliant, genuine, and inspiring" Southampton teenager who died at Bournemouth beach.
The 17-year-old passed away in hospital following an incident in the water near Bournemouth Pier on Wednesday, May 31.
After he was named by Dorset Police on Sunday evening, Joe's family were the first to pay tribute to him, describing him as "a wonderful son and brother" in a statement.
READ MORE: Family pay heartfelt tribute to 17-year-old who died in Bournemouth beach tragedy
They said: "We were privileged to have him in our lives for 17 years and we are so sorry he will never fulfil his dreams and ambitions."
The teenager worked at Southampton Football Club on matchdays as a kitchen porter and was an aspiring chef, employed by the club’s catering and hospitality partner Gather & Gather.
Describing him as a 'popular colleague amongst all staff', the club said: “Joe was not only a valued employee of Gather & Gather but a cherished member of our football family here at the club.
"The thoughts of everyone associated with both the club and Gather & Gather are with Joe’s family and friends at this difficult time."
The Gantry Youth Theatre, based in Bitterne Park School, also sent their wishes to the family in a post on Facebook.
It said: "The Gantry Youth Theatre family are saddened that our dedicated office manager, Ness Abbess, and her family, Pete and Luke, are grieving the sudden loss of their 17 year old son and brother, Joe.
"Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
"Ness and her family have been a huge part of the Gantry family for many years, our hearts are broken for them as they navigate this difficult time."
Sunnah Khan, 12, from High Wycombe, also died during the tragedy last week.
She was laid to rest on Saturday.
The pair were not known to each other.
A man in his 40s who was on the water at the time was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter but has since been released under investigation.
A pleasure boat, The Dorset Belle, was also impounded by police as part of their investigation but the scene guard has since left the area.
The Daily Echo has opened a book of condolence for Southampton residents to pay their respects to Joe.
Tributes have flooded in from across the community, with people describing Joe as a "brilliant, genuine and inspiring" person.
Community answers
Book of condolence for Joe Abbess
"Share your tributes and memories of 17-year-old Joe Abbess who tragically died in an incident off Bournemouth beach on Wednesday"
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
How did you know Joe?I went to school with him. I spoke to him on occasions and he got on well with everyone. Funny lad was good to have a joke with.
What are your memories of him?Rest in peace Joe ❤️you will be missed by many people
Share your tributeRest in peace Joe ❤️you will be missed by many people
How did you know Joe?School
What are your memories of him?Media class
Share your tributeI am so sorry this happened to you. You didn’t deserve any of this. You will be truly missed❤️rip joe. forever17
Share a photo with him
Joe abbess How did you know Joe?I was your lunchtime supervisor in senior school and worked along side your poor mum doing exam vigilance.
What are your memories of him?Always smiling and loved to joke around. It was never a dull moment when you was running around the playground.
Share your tributeFly high young man I hope you and Bailey are having a blast up there. Taken far to soon as life was just starting for you.
How did you know Joe?I knew joe since year 8 when i joined his school
What are your memories of him?Joe was such a nice boy and tried his best to be friends with everyone. He was such a polite well mannered boy who tried his hardest in food tech and was always up for a laugh.
Share your tributeRIP joe, you will be dearly missed 🕊
Share a photo with him
I hope your partying up there ? How did you know Joe?Southampton football club
What are your memories of him?Woking upstairs on the last game and want hot water and.akwsys had an smile
Share your tributeWe are going to miss you at the foot all club r.ip Joe
How did you know Joe?From working with him at southampton football club .
What are your memories of him?He was such a lovely young boy with his whole life ahead of him .
Share your tributeI worked with joe at football club , he was always happy and asked many questions about matchdays and events we were doing. It was lovely to see him move on from being a kitchen Porter to a training chef . Never heard a bad word about from within the hospitality and kitchen team .
How did you know Joe?Son was his friend and in his class whilst studying at Oasis .
What are your memories of him?Sam said he was cheerful and friendly .
Share your tributeOur family are so sorry for the loss of your amazing son and brother Joe . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time x
How did you know Joe?We worked together at St Mary's stadium❤
What are your memories of him?He was one of the first people I met when I joined and he taught me a few things and showed me around.
Share your tributeJoe was the loveliest person, so kind and helpful. He never said a bad word against anyone. We will all miss you so much and match days wont be the same without his smiley face :) Rest in peace Joe x
How did you know Joe?Through College
What are your memories of him?Cooking with him at events that college did. Laughs and good conversations.
Share your tributeAlthough I didn't know you personally, we spoke a few times during the time you and I were at college, they were always good conversations and everyone knows you were a respectable and mature young man. Rest easy bro, you made everyone proud.
How did you know Joe?I’ve known Joe and the family for years, I have seen him grow up and turn into a lovely young man.
What are your memories of him?He was always so kind and polite and was raised so well, being friends with his brother Luke meant I was lucky enough to know Joe as well.
Share your tributeI’m so sorry for the loss of Joe. My heart goes out to Pete, Ness and Luke at this awful awful time x
How did you know Joe?My daughter Amelia attended school with Joe.
What are your memories of him?I last saw him walking in his senior school uniform and thinking how tall he had got, always a polite boy with a smile on his face.
Share your tributeGone too young, condolences to his family and friends. RIP.
How did you know Joe?Daughter’s friend
What are your memories of him?I remember Joe from play school and primary school.
Share your tributeI remember Joe when he was in play school and primary. He was such a sweet, happy and popular boy from a lovey family. My heart goes out to Joe’s family at this devastating time, I can’t even imagine what they must be going through right now, so very sad.
How did you know Joe?Joe was a pupil at a primary school where I taught.
What are your memories of him?Joe was happy, friendly and full of fun.
Share your tributeI am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing, he was an amazing boy. My heartfelt love and sympathy go to his parents and brother, who are such a close family. Rest in peace Joe.
How did you know Joe?He was one of Bailey's best friends.
What are your memories of him?The kind, courageous, supportive things he did when Bailey was poorly.
Share your tributeWe are so sorry that this has happened. Bailey and Joe are together again but it really shouldn’t be so!! So young, so kind, so gifted. It’s an utter tragedy. Our love and thoughts are with you. Sam and Olivia Dabreo x
How did you know Joe?💙
What are your memories of him?💙
Share your tributeLife is so cruel, to have your life taken at such a young age is heart-breaking. Thoughts to your family & friends at this very sad time. Forever young, RIP 💙
How did you know Joe?I did not know Joe at all but living in Southampton and knowing Bournemouth well, this is such an awful tragedy
What are your memories of him?I did not know Joe at all but living in Southampton and knowing Bournemouth well, this is such an awful tragedy
Share your tributeSO SO SORRY to hear of the tragic loss of this lad, I have a daughter the same age and can not begin to imagine the pain for the friends and family
How did you know Joe?I’ve known him for 6 years
What are your memories of him?We used to be like best mates for three years then recently we’ve been getting close to know each other and now he’s gone💔 - my best mate's house/me and him laughing at smelling my ex-boyfriend's hoodie he gave me, Macey's party, Butts Park and so many more.
Share your tributeI miss you man, I'll never forget you. Honestly you had such a pure heart and thank you for everything you’ve done for me recently. I miss you, so upsetting that we were just talking about each other's goals we want to achieve when we’re older, just before you passed away🕊️sending so much love to his family
How did you know Joe?We used to go to Gantry together
What are your memories of him?Doing shows together Running around the corridors at drama Going to McDonald's together for first time Maya's party Pretending to be roadmen and swapping clothes ‘Roadman Sophie and Joe’ And so many more. I am so heartbroken. Joe was just an incredible person.
Share your tributeJoe was just an amazing person through and through. He always made me laugh and he was just such a gentle person. He was the kindest to everyone and just so patient. He used to always make me laugh when we’d sing rap songs together and think we were really good (but we weren’t). Joe was just incredible and I really do feel for all his family for this tragic loss. RIP Joe. You really were an amazing person. X
How did you know Joe?I taught him at primary school
What are your memories of him?He was always a polite young boy with a smile on his face. A pleasure to have taught him.
Share your tributeMy sympathy goes out to his parents, brother and family. A young life cut tragically short.
How did you know Joe?Joe was one of my best friends at college and an even better friend outside of college. We were in constant contact from August 2022 up until the 31st of May.
What are your memories of him?Joe was always an all around decent man with a good head on his shoulders. Joe always made every day a little brighter even when he wasn’t there. He helped me in the gym, meet others in college and all round be a better person. He was always excelling in the kitchen and helped others when he could. We’d often go to eat or roam the city centre whilst on breaks or after our lessons had finished. We messaged each other constantly and we had plans to go and see a band in September.
Share your tributeJoe Abbess is one of the most brilliant, genuine and inspiring people I have ever met. Joe was a dear, dear friend of mine and an even bigger inspiration. I will never be able to express how much of an impact Joe has had on me and the others around him. A funny, endearing and kind young man with a bright future ahead of him. He always knew exactly where he was going and how to get there. I truly loved Joe from the bottom of my heart and I pray that he is at peace. My deepest condolences are with Joe's family and friends and if anything at all is ever needed from his friends here at the college please contact me. Thank you Joe and may you rest in peace.
How did you know Joe?He was a student at the college where I work. Southampton City College.
What are your memories of him?Joe was a student in our hospitality department and would always help out when I asked him. It was always a running joke between him and me as he would never take off his watch as he should before the lesson started, so I would always ask him: "What is the time?" and begrudgingly he would remove his watch.
Share your tributeI am in total disbelief and shocked at what has happened to such a young man starting out in the world. I am sure Joe would have had great success in the hospitality industry. The small team in hospitality at college will miss him greatly as well as the other students in his class. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends.
How did you know Joe?Secondary School Teacher and from the Gantry.
What are your memories of him?I have so many memories of Joe in his early teens being cheeky, funny and witty. He made me laugh often. As he grew I remember his incredible smile and calm presence, he grew into such a polite, mature, respectful, hardworking and reliable young man, an absolute credit to his parents.
Share your tributeYour beautiful personality and smile will be deeply missed. Rest in peace Joe x
How did you know Joe?Went to the same school as me and socialised in similar groups
What are your memories of him?His party! Always have nice memories of Joe!
Share your tributeJoe will be very missed - such a big personality. RIP x
How did you know Joe?Joe was my friend since secondary school, although we didn’t go to the same one we knew each other throughout.
What are your memories of him?Myself and Joe used to see each other at raves all the time and often used to go out in the summer with our other friends from school. I also remember when he came to my prom, was such a lovely surprise seeing his face.
Share your tributeJoe was the loveliest boy you could’ve known. Selfless and kind with always a smile whenever I saw him. Such a fun person to rave and party with he always knew how to have a good time. I want to thank Joe for being there for me and I’m so blessed to have called him my friend. If only we could have continued to make more memories. May you rest in perfect peace Joe. We love you forever and always. Until we meet again xx
How did you know Joe?I saw you lost your wonderful boy and I am so very sorry you have to experience this pain x
What are your memories of him?I read he was a trainee chef, you must be so proud. X
Share your tributeTo the family and friends who have lost a light. The local people and further afield are all here to support you. I am so very sorry for your loss x
Book of condolence for Joe Abbess
Share your tributes and memories of 17-year-old Joe Abbess who tragically died in an incident off Bournemouth beach on Wednesday
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