A family is mourning the loss of a 'kind' teenager who died near a popular beach, as swimming fatalities during the ongoing heatwave continue to rise. The incident occurred at Formby beach in Southport, where emergency services were called to the scene off Albert Road.
Incident Details
At approximately 3:30 PM on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25, concerns were raised about the safety of a girl. Witnesses informed Merseyside Police that they believed the 15-year-old had gotten into difficulty in the water. She was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in a critical condition but sadly passed away. The victim has been identified as Chiedza Nyanjowa.
Family Tribute
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police stated that Chiedza's devastated family described her as a 'bubbly person' who loved Christ and attending church. They said: 'Her family would like to express their gratitude to everyone that helped Chiedza. Her family are glad that there were people around her to support her, their support shows that she was loved. This is a difficult time for the family, who would appreciate any form of prayer.'
The family added that Chiedza enjoyed cooking, was a giver, and aspired to become a nurse so she could give back to others. She will be greatly missed and remembered for her kind spirit.
Rising Heatwave Deaths
Chiedza's death marks the 13th water-related fatality in the UK during the current heatwave. On Friday, 16-year-old Charlie Noble was named as the boy who died at Bracklinn Falls near Callander, Scotland. Additionally, on Thursday, 14-year-old Baltazar L'Quy was identified locally as the boy found dead in the River Thames in Oxford.
Authorities continue to urge the public to exercise caution near water during hot weather conditions.
