Tributes paid to 33-year-old father-of-eight David Lerwill whose body was recovered from Pen y Fan pond in Blackwood

David Lerwill, 33, from Caerphilly, has been described as "one of a kind".

Family members also said he had a "heart of gold and would do anything for anyone, especially his family".

Police were called to the tourist site, based in Caerphilly county borough, last week, on Tuesday March 26, after reports of concern for the wellbeing of a man seen struggling in the water. Mr Lerwil's body was found the next day.

Police are not treating his death as suspicious.

David Lerwill 

Mr Lerwill's sister, Lisa, said of his death: "It still doesn't seem real – how can he be gone? How are we never going to be able to see him again? Our lives will never be the same without him.

"David tragically had to leave behind his eight beautiful children who treasured and worshipped him and loved him so dearly.

"They no longer have their dad to support them, who would always do absolutely everything he could for them. He loved them all so much, he lived for his children. He was an amazing dad who was always there for all of them.

Emergency services crews during the search for Mr Lerwill's body at Pen y Fan Pond (Picture: Gwent Police)

"David was definitely one of a kind, he had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone, especially his family. He was definitely a family man.

"He was the life and soul at every event or gathering. You would always hear his laugh or him speaking one of his funny little rhymes that he had just made up on the spot.

"He loved to keep busy and was always out and about helping people with anything they needed doing. He was always one to count on if you needed cheering up, even if he was going through a rough time himself.

"He was a very talented man, especially with his carpentry. You name it he could build it, he could have had a very successful business going for him.

"He was definitely one of the best. Everyone loved him and we will miss him more and more every day."

Mr Lerwill (far right) with (from left) his sisters Chloe and Lisa, brother Mark, mother Caroline, brother Paul, and father Jeff

Ms Lerwill also said she feels there is a lack of warning signs over the depth of the pond, adding: "I really can't stress enough about how there are no warning signs around the pond to indicate danger or deep water, or the fact there is a sudden drop and a drainage system under the pond."

A spokesperson for Caerphilly County Borough Council said in a statement: "At this stage we are not aware of the exact circumstances around this tragic death – nor have we had any feedback from the authorities – therefore it would be unwise to speculate on cause.

"I do know that there are warning signs in place as well as lifebuoy rings."

Mr Lerwill’s family are fundraising towards his funeral.

To donate visit gofundme.com/in-loving-memory-of-david-lerwill

The search effort included fire crews, ambulance service, mountain rescue workers, divers and even drones.