Mackenzie Swift, an 11-year-old boy who drowned in the River Don during the recent heatwave, was remembered at his funeral as someone who 'could make people smile without even trying.' His family said he will be 'forever 11' to them.
Funeral Procession and Tributes
Father Edward Morrison told mourners at St John the Baptist Church in Mexborough, South Yorkshire: '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.'
Kenzie, as he was known, died after cycling to the River Don with a friend on May 30, a boiling hot day. He dropped his bike at a spot called 'Pebble Beach,' removed his shoes and top, and entered the water to cool down despite not being able to swim. It took 48 hours to find him; he was discovered on June 2, just yards from where he was last seen.
His funeral procession included a Lamborghini, a convoy of motorbikes, and an ice cream van. Classmates dressed in yellow, his favorite color, wept as the coffin arrived. The words 'Forever 11' were printed on the side of the coffin in giant letters. Inside, his family placed a cuddly Yoda teddy, a Liverpool scarf, and a school leavers' jumper signed by all his classmates.
Family's Heartbreaking Plea
After the tragedy, his father Michael, 46, and mother Suzie Gough, 48, pleaded with other children: 'Please keep out of open water. We are desperate to stop other families having to go through heartbreak like this.' They are supporting the Mirror's 'Save Lives for Sam' campaign to prevent further drownings.
Father Morrison described Kenzie as a loyal Liverpool supporter, a 'popular boy' who was '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, and he will always be remembered for the happiness he brought into our lives.'
Community Campaign for Water Safety
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. There have been quite a few tragedies in the area, the water just attracts the kids - that's why we are trying hard to try and prevent this happening again. We don't want to see another family torn apart.'
At least 26 people have died in heatwaves in May and June, and it is feared the toll will increase as the summer holidays begin. A final inquest into Mackenzie's death is due to take place on February 16 next year.
