A 16-year-old boy who tragically died after getting into difficulty in a lake during the recent UK heatwave could not swim, an inquest has revealed. Muhammed Secka's body was discovered the day after emergency services were called to Rother Valley Country Park in South Yorkshire on Bank Holiday Monday. He is among at least 15 people who lost their lives in open water incidents during the hot weather.
Inquest Details
An inquest into Muhammed's death was opened and adjourned by Rotherham senior coroner Nicola Mundy at Doncaster Coroner's Court. Coroner's officer Siobhan Golightly told the hearing that Muhammed had visited the park with friends on May 25. At around 7pm, he was in the water with friends when he disappeared from view. The alarm was raised, and emergency services were contacted. His body was found in the early hours of the next day, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ms Golightly stated: "It's reported that Muhammed was not able to swim." The coroner noted that a post-mortem examination showed features consistent with drowning. However, Ms Mundy emphasized that this is a preliminary conclusion, and further investigations are ongoing. The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed. No family members attended the hearing.
Community Response
Following Muhammed's death, friends and family launched online fundraising campaigns. One organizer said: "Muhammed was a much-loved son, friend, student, and member of the community who brought light, laughter, and kindness to those around him. His loss has deeply affected everyone who knew him, and the pain felt by his family and loved ones is unimaginable."
Muhammed's death, along with several others in recent weeks, has prompted urgent appeals from emergency services, families, and campaigners for young people to avoid open water, which can be dangerous. Among the other victims were Declan Sawyer, 15, who died at Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln; Reco Puttock, 13, who died at Leadbeater Dam near Halifax; and Chiedza Nyanjowa, 15, who died in hospital after getting into trouble on Formby beach.
