Baltazar L’Quy, a 14-year-old boy, tragically lost his life after encountering difficulties in the River Thames near Donnington Bridge in Oxford. His body was recovered Wednesday evening, marking the 11th water-related fatality during the recent heatwave. The Oxford Timorese Community Association confirmed his identity and expressed their deepest condolences to the grieving family.
Thames Valley Police described the death as “unexplained but not suspicious” after responding to the incident around 5:30 pm. A spokesperson for the Timorese community called it a heartbreaking and sudden tragedy that has deeply affected both the family and their community in Oxford and across the UK.
L’Quy’s mother has issued a heartfelt warning to parents, urging them to educate their children about water safety. She emphasized the importance of never entering water alone and always ensuring adult supervision when near rivers or other bodies of water.
READ MORE: I Tried Supermarket Jam Donuts — Here’s the Clear Winner
READ MORE: Last Minute Half Term Activities in Birmingham and the West Midlands: My Top Picks
Police have offered support to the family during this incredibly difficult time. This heartbreaking incident follows a series of fatal water accidents across the country, including in Lincoln, Halifax, Rotherham, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Farnborough, Lancashire, Cornwall, and Wales. Tributes continue to pour in for the victims, highlighting a growing concern over the dangers of unsupervised swimming during extreme weather.