Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Boy, 16, dies after getting into difficulty in river as member of public tried to save him

Emergency services were called to the scene Jubilee River in Taplow, Buckinghamshire

Saturday 25 June 2022 07:50 EDT
Comments
Police were called to the scene and praised the ‘courageous’ man who tried to save the teenager
Police were called to the scene and praised the ‘courageous’ man who tried to save the teenager (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A 16-year-old boy has died after getting into difficulty in a river in Buckinghamshire.

Officers were flagged down by members of the public just after 5.30pm on Friday following reports a child was in the Jubilee River in Taplow.

Thames Valley Police said Buckinghamshire and Berkshire fire and rescue services as well as South Central Ambulance Service launched an “extensive search” with the help of the National Police Air Service.

Police said a man entered the water to rescue the boy before the emergency services arrived but could not find him.

The body was found in the water just before 6.40pm, the force said. His death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

The boy’s next of kin have been informed and formal identification has yet to take place,

Superintendent Emma Burroughs, local policing area commander for south Buckinghamshire, said: “This is a complete tragedy and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the boy who has died as a result of this incident.

“We are in the early stages of investigating this incident, but do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances.

“There was a swift response from all emergency services, but very sadly, following an extensive search of the river, the boy was located deceased at around 6.40pm.

“This has been an extremely traumatic and upsetting incident, and despite the best efforts of emergency services at the scene we were unable to rescue the boy, who was with two friends at the time.

“I am aware that a member of the public entered the river shortly after the boy got into difficulty, but was unable to locate him.

“I would like to commend him for his courage and bravery. My sincere condolences are with the boy’s family and friends, and I would ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly traumatic and distressing time for them.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in