A 14-year-old boy who tragically lost his life after getting into difficulty in the River Thames has been identified as Baltazar L'Quy. His heartbroken mother has issued a stark warning to other parents about the dangers of wild swimming.
Baltazar became the eleventh person to die in a water-related incident during the ongoing heatwave after his body was recovered from the river near Donnington Bridge in Oxford on Wednesday evening.
The Oxford Timorese Community Association confirmed the teenager's identity and extended its deepest condolences to his family. Thames Valley Police described the death as unexplained but not suspicious.
Speaking to the BBC, a spokesperson for the community association described it as a heartbreaking time. This has been a very painful moment, not only for the family but also for the Timorese community in Oxford and across the United Kingdom, they said. This tragedy is very sad and shocking to most parents, not only within the East Timor community.
The community representative disclosed they had spoken directly with Baltazar's family. The mother was saying that this is happening to them, and it is shocking and very sudden, the spokesperson added. But she would like to remind all other parents to remind their children when they are out there: do not just go into any water, and always make sure they go with an adult.
Police Statement
Thames Valley Police released a statement on Thursday confirming the death. We are sad to confirm a boy died after getting into difficulty in the River Thames at Donnington Bridge yesterday, the statement read. The 14-year-old boy's family have been informed and offered support; our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.
Rising Toll of Water Incidents
Baltazar's death comes after a series of fatal water-related incidents involving young people in Lincoln, Halifax, Rotherham, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Farnborough, and Lancashire. Additionally, a man in his 60s died in Cornwall, and a woman in her 70s died in Wales. Several victims have been named with tributes paid, while others await formal identification by police.
Authorities continue to urge caution around open water, particularly during warm weather when more people are tempted to swim in rivers, lakes, and other natural bodies of water.
