Anthony Yates
A UK teen has drowned after jumping into a river with his friends. His parents reportedly told him not to swim there.
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What happened: According to a report by Lancs Live, 15-year-old Lotus Bowker drowned in the River Wyre earlier this year on May 17. The Preston Coroner’s Court held an inquest into his death on October 7.
- The court heard that Bowker went to swim in the river with three friends near Garstang Cricket Club. His parents warned him not to visit the area as he could only “doggy paddle.”
- Bowker reportedly had a learning disorder, which meant he had some communication issues and “didn’t know risk.” His mom allegedly claimed her son was “easily led.” Per the Lancashire Post, the 15-year-old told his father he was going swimming earlier in the day. However, his dad assumed Bowker meant he was going to Ribby Hall, which has a pool and water slides.
The Teen Was Reportedly Drinking With His Friends Before Jumping Into The River
Multiple people tried to help: Per Lancs Live, Area Coroner Emma Mather heard the boys had drunk beer before heading to the river, but Bowker only had a “very low” amount in his system. He reportedly started to struggle after he jumped in and dragged one of his friends under in panic.
- The outlet notes that the water where the boys jumped in was two meters deep. An official in charge of water utilities nearby also told the inquest there were “nine or ten” warning signs around the site.
- Lancs Live reveals that three people stepped in to help when they realized Bowker was in trouble. One woman entered the water and swam to him. “She managed to hold him at the top of the water, but she was really struggling and she had to let him go,” Mather explained. Two people, including an off-duty anesthetist, rendered aid after Bowker was underwater for roughly eight minutes.
- Emergency services rushed the boy to Royal Preston Hospital. They later transported him to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased on May 18.
- The coroner concluded that Bowker’s death was a result of misadventure. She noted that his friends encouraged him to jump. However, she added, “he was not pushed by his friends or bullied.” Mather also noted the teen’s learning disorder “affected his ability to weigh up risks.” Per the Lancashire Post, Mather described the incident as “a terrible and tragic accident.”
