A teenager who died trying to save his friend's life gave 'the ultimate sacrifice selflessly', an inquest heard. David Ionut Radut, 14, had been swinging on a rope swing near the River Tyne in Ovingham, Northumberland, with a group of friends, including Aras Rudzianskas, 13.
Bravery in the face of danger
An inquest into the two boys' deaths heard how David let go of the swing too early and landed in a deeper part of the river. He got into difficulty, shouted for help, and Aras jumped into the water to try and save him. Northumberland Coroner's Court heard on Monday how David pushed Aras under the water in panic, and both struggled. Another child, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, tried to help, but both Aras and David were swept away by the current.
David's body was found later that day, and Aras died in hospital three days after being recovered by a paddleboarder.
Coroner's tribute
Paul Dunn, Northumberland assistant coroner, said at the conclusion of the two-day inquest on Tuesday that Aras' attempt to save his friend was 'one of the bravest acts I have come across in twenty years as a coroner.' He told the inquest: 'If there was a short form conclusion that said bravery I'd record it for this young boy without hesitation because his courage in going into the water without a thought for himself for his own safety, one of the bravest acts I have ever come across in 20 years as a coroner. No short form conclusion adequately deals with what Aras did that day.'
Accidental deaths
David's death was recorded as an accident. Mr Dunn said: 'I know that David wasn't a swimmer but he didn't need to be for what he was engaging in, swinging out and back in pretty shallow waters. He got into difficulty because of an accident. The fact he managed to do it a couple of times before falling in and getting difficulties makes it, in my judgement, an accident rather than anything else.'
Mr Dunn also praised the boys' friends, saying: 'What a dreadful experience it must have been for all of them to have to be there when their two friends got into difficulty in the water. They sought help, one put his own life at risk in going into the water in trying to help Aras; and they behaved in a very responsible and a very adult way.'
Prevention of future deaths
Two prevention of future deaths reports were issued following the inquest. One was sent to landowner Northumberland Estates, instructing it to take a more direct approach to managing the 'parcel of land' from where the boys entered the river. The other was issued to Northumberland County Council and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, calling for a multi-agency approach to deliver a clear plan of action for water safety in the area.
