Boy, 15, who died swimming with friends at popular beach is named

Boy, 15, dies after being rescued from the sea off beach in Port Talbot when he got into trouble in the water

• David Ejimofor was swimming with pals when he got into difficulty on Monday 

A schoolboy, who drowned on a popular beach in an after-class swim with friends, has today been named.

David Ejimofor, 15, was found in the sea near Aberavon pier in Port Talbot, South Wales, just after 7pm on Monday – about a mile from his home in Aberavon.

He was taken to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend where he later died.

Teachers at his St Joseph’s Catholic School in Port Talbot said it was ‘deeply saddened’ by the ‘tragic and unexpected passing away’ of one its pupils.

Head teacher Eugene Scourfield said support for pupils had been arranged after David’s tragic death.

‘Our chapel is open to pupils, parents and friends of our school community. Please keep the family in your prayers,’ he said in a statement on the school Facebook page.

David Ejimofor, 15, was found in the sea near Aberavon pier in Port Talbot, South Wales, just after 7pm on Monday. Pictured: emergency services at the scene 

The teenager was pulled from the sea but died later in hospital. Pictured is the seafront near Aberavon, one of Wales’s largest, sandy beaches 

A helicopter and Port Talbot RNLI lifeboat joined the rescue operation, alongside paramedics. A police spokesman said: ‘Despite the best efforts of members of the public and emergency services he sadly passed away.’

A RNLI spokesman said: ‘The crew were on scene alongside other emergency services. Port Talbot RNLI would like to express their deepest sympathy to the friends and family of those involved.’

Regular beachgoer Leighton Hockin said the death was ‘absolutely tragic’.

‘A young boy only 15 years of age and just doing what kids do, but I guess they just don’t see the dangers,’ he said.

‘Nobody wants to see this happen, when you’ve got children or grandchildren it just really brings it home and people have to look out for each other.’

People on social media have also been paying their respects. Nicola Lambert said: ‘Heartbreaking, thoughts are with all of his family and friends.’

In a statement on Facebook, David’s headteacher said the school was ‘deeply saddened’ by the news of his ‘tragic and unexpected’ death

The teenager was pulled from the sea but died later in hospital. Pictured is the rescue operation on Monday evening 

Nola Lewis added: ‘Such a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.’ 

Police said David lived in nearby Aberavon. A report will be compiled for the coroner.

Detective Inspector Carl Price said: ‘We continue to interview witnesses and gather evidence to establish the circumstances that led to this very sad and tragic incident. We are working with partners to support those affected and our thoughts are with David’s family and friends.’

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call South Wales Police on 101 quoting 2300202601.

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