Mackenzie Swift, an 11-year-old Liverpool fan, drowned in the River Don during a heatwave on May 30. His family remembers him as someone who "could make people smile without even trying" and say he will be "forever 11."
Funeral tributes and community mourning
At his funeral in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, mourners wore yellow, his favorite color. His coffin bore the words "Forever 11" and was carried by his father, Michael, 46, who wore a yellow T-shirt with the same phrase. Inside the coffin were his beloved Yoda cuddly toy, a Liverpool scarf, and a school leavers' jumper signed by classmates.
Father Edward Morrison told the congregation: "The death of an 11-year-old boy is something no parent should ever have to endure. There's a profound sense among us and among this whole community that something has happened which simply should not have happened. Words feel inadequate."
Circumstances of the drowning
Kenzie cycled to the River Don with a friend on a sweltering day. He left his bike at a spot known as 'Pebble Beach,' removed his shoes and top, and entered the water to cool off, despite being unable to swim. It took 48 hours to locate him; he was found on June 2, just yards from where his friend last saw him. His father, family, and friends searched desperately alongside police divers.
Family's water safety campaign
Kenzie's parents, Michael and Suzie Gough, 48, are backing the 'Save Lives for Sam' campaign to prevent further drownings. They urged other youngsters: "Please keep out of open water. We are desperate to stop other families having to go through heartbreak like this." At least 26 people have died during heatwaves in May and June, with fears the figure will rise during summer holidays.
Memories and tributes
Father Morrison described Kenzie as a devoted Liverpool supporter, "popular," "loving, cheeky, mischievous, affectionate," and a "quiet soul." He said: "He could charm people into almost anything. He became well known along his street, especially among the older ladies who took such a shine to him." A tribute from his sister Georgia read: "My little brother Mackenzie was one of the most important people in my life... He could make people smile without even trying."
Bev Chapman, who attended the funeral, said: "With Mackenzie's parents, Suzie and Michael, we have been campaigning about water safety. It should never have happened but it has and here we are today, it's very sad." A concluding inquest into Mackenzie's death is scheduled for February 16 next year.
