The father of a 13-year-old boy who drowned in the River Tyne has said more should have been done to prevent the deaths of two other teenagers in the same area. Carl Hattersley lost his son Robert after he got into difficulty while swimming with friends in the river at Ovingham, Northumberland, on July 17, 2022. Robert was swept under by the current and his family waited around six hours before police confirmed his body had been found.
Two more deaths in the same river
Less than two years later, on May 18, 2024, David Ionut Radut, 14, and Aras Rudzianskas, 13, died after getting into difficulty in the same stretch of river. An inquest into their deaths heard that warning signs had been installed on the south bank at Prudhoe Riverside Park but there were none on the north bank, where the boys entered the water. Landowner Northumberland Estates had given permission for signage but it had not yet been installed.
Assistant Coroner Paul Dunn, who also dealt with Robert's inquest, issued two prevention of future deaths reports. One was directed at Northumberland Estates, instructing it to take a more direct approach to managing the land. The other was issued to Northumberland County Council and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, calling for a multi-agency water safety plan.
Father's grief and call for action
Carl Hattersley, 52, said: "They should have had signs down there. It should have been done long before Robert lost his life. They started to put them up a bit too late because two lads lost their life afterwards." He added: "It was heartbreaking to find out about the other boys. This should never have happened in the first place." He stressed that people from other areas do not understand the dangers, and called for patrols and school education on water safety.
The inquest at County Hall in Morpeth heard that David and Aras were part of a group of around 20 children who travelled from Newcastle. David, who could not swim, let go of a tree swing too early and landed in deeper water. He shouted for help and Aras ran in to save him, but David pushed Aras under in panic. A paddleboarder found Aras face down; he was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary but died three days later. David's body was found on the riverbed at 6.30pm that evening.
Coroner's remarks
Coroner Dunn said: "I dealt with the inquest of Robert Hattersley... I remember sitting with his family and very much hoping I wouldn't have to have another family in front of me again, and here we are unfortunately with a similar set of circumstances." David's death was recorded as an accident; Aras died "as a result of the effects of drowning whilst attempting to save his friend".
A Northumberland County Council spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with the families... Signs and life saving devices have been installed along the river and we will be reviewing the approach." A Northumberland Estates spokesperson said: "We have worked closely with the local authority... We note the coroner's findings and will continue to work constructively."
