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Boy, 13, Drowns After Lake Jumping Dare
29 Sep
Summary
- A 13-year-old schoolboy drowned at Meynell Lake on June 25.
- He went lake jumping with friends after school closed early.
- The boy had reportedly told friends he could not swim.
A 13-year-old boy, Hayden Jones-Powell, tragically drowned at Meynell Lake in Leicestershire on June 25. The incident occurred after his school, Wreake Valley Academy, closed early due to high temperatures, allowing Hayden to go to the lake with a group of friends.
According to an inquest, Hayden had informed his friends that he was unable to swim before entering the water. He was last seen around 12:45 PM. His friends raised the alarm, prompting a search by academy staff and subsequently emergency services, including police dive teams and fire rescue.
Hayden was found in the lake at 8:15 PM that evening. A post-mortem examination confirmed drowning as the cause of death, and Leicestershire Police stated there were no suspicious circumstances. The coroner recorded the death as an accident.
Hayden is remembered by his parents for his passion for football, love of animals, and quick wit. His aunt described him as a "lovely little cheeky boy" who sought to cool off during the heatwave. Hundreds gathered in Syston to release balloons and leave tributes in his memory, highlighting the impact he had on his community.
