An inquest has disclosed the tragic final moments of an 11-year-old boy who died after entering the River Don in South Yorkshire. Mackenzie Swift was last seen entering the water near Mexborough, Doncaster, on May 30. When he failed to resurface, a major search operation was launched.
Search and Recovery
Emergency services were called to reports of a child in difficulty in the water. A 48-hour search ensued, and Mackenzie's body was recovered on June 2. The inquest, opened and adjourned at Doncaster Coroner's Court on Thursday, heard that the cause of death was consistent with drowning.
Area coroner Louise Slater was informed that on May 30, emergency services responded to a child in trouble in the river. Coroner's officer Siobhan Golightly stated: "It was reported that the child had entered the water. Upon arrival the emergency services launched an extensive search and rescue operation. Sadly, on June 2 the body of Mackenzie Swift was located and recovered."
Identification and Cause of Death
The coroner heard that Mackenzie was formally identified by his father. Although the precise cause of death is yet to be confirmed, the pathologist noted features consistent with drowning. Ms Golightly added: "The pathologist noted features in keeping with drowning."
The hearing was told that Mackenzie's body could be released to his family for the funeral. A full inquest into his death is scheduled for February 16 next year. Ms Slater expressed her condolences, saying: "I would like to wish my most heartfelt condolences to Mackenzie's family at this most difficult time."
Mackenzie's death brings the total number of open-water fatalities during the recent heatwave to 17. The incident has prompted renewed calls for water safety awareness.
