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Student Fights for Life 20 Mins in River, Help Arrives Late
21 Jul
Summary
- Student struggled for 20 minutes in the River Ouse before drowning.
- Rescue boat notification was delayed, inquest heard.
- Family described the death as an unfathomable, senseless tragedy.
A University of York student, Evan Geoffrey d'Andilly, aged 19, tragically drowned in the River Ouse after entering it from a bridge in York in March 2025. An inquest revealed that d'Andilly struggled in the water for approximately 20 minutes, calling for help while police on the bank attempted to assist. CCTV footage showed him actively trying to stay afloat before disappearing beneath the surface.
The inquest heard that while police officers were present, a crucial line could not reach d'Andilly. Questions were raised about the delayed arrival of both the fire service's vessel and a volunteer rescue boat. Call logs indicated the York Rescue Boat was alerted shortly after d'Andilly entered the water at 03:03, but he was last seen at 03:23. The fire service vessel, dispatched from Selby, did not arrive until 03:37.
Family members described d'Andilly as a "water baby" and noted his unique, intelligent, and happy nature, despite some past mental health challenges. His parents expressed that his death was an "unfathomable, senseless tragedy," with his mother questioning potential delays in summoning the closest rescue boat. The inquest is scheduled to resume.
