Umar Dumbuya, an 18-year-old from London, died after entering the River Wye near Glasbury in Powys on June 30 while participating in a Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition. Emergency services, including mountain rescue, firefighters, and the National Police Air Service, searched for him after reports that a male had entered the water and could not be located. Dyfed-Powys Police later recovered his body.
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
In a statement released through the police, Mr. Dumbuya's family expressed their devastation: 'There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. Umar was a loving boy and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. He loved playing basketball, attending the gym, and spending time with friends and family. We will always remember him for his kindness, warmth, and sense of humour. His death has left a devastating hole in our family, and we now ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.'
College and DofE Respond
Leyton Sixth Form College, where Umar was a student, said its community were 'deeply saddened' and are cooperating with authorities. The college launched an online fundraising page for funeral expenses. A statement on the page reads: 'It is with profound sadness that we share the heart-breaking loss of a much-loved student who tragically passed away in a sudden accident. Umar will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and the positive impact he had on his family, friends, classmates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.'
A spokeswoman for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award said: 'We are deeply saddened to confirm that a young person has drowned while on a DofE expedition in Powys, Wales. Our thoughts are with the young person’s family, together with all those who were taking part. We will do everything we can to support them at this difficult time. DofE is liaising closely with the young person’s college and relevant authorities to understand how this tragic incident happened.'
