An inquest has been opened into the death of an 11-year-old boy who drowned in a South Yorkshire river during the recent heatwave. Mackenzie Swift entered the River Don near Mexborough on May 30 and failed to resurface, prompting a 48-hour search and rescue operation. His body was tragically recovered on June 2.
Inquest Proceedings
The inquest was opened and adjourned at Doncaster Coroner's Court on June 11. Area coroner Louise Slater extended her heartfelt condolences to Mackenzie's family, acknowledging the difficult time they are enduring. Coroner's officer Siobhan Golightly stated that while the precise cause of death has not yet been confirmed, the pathologist noted features consistent with drowning.
Emergency services were called to reports of a child in difficulty in the river. Mackenzie was formally identified by his father. The coroner's officer detailed the final moments: the boy entered the water, and despite an extensive search, his body was located on June 2.
Release of Body and Final Inquest
The hearing was informed that Mackenzie's body could be released to his family for funeral arrangements. A final inquest into his death is scheduled for February 16 next year.
Heatwave Death Toll
Mackenzie's death brought the number of open-water fatalities during the recent heatwave to 17, highlighting the dangers of swimming in unsupervised waters during hot weather.
