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School Trip Tragedy: Criminal Probe Over Teen's Drowning
4 Feb
Summary
- A 17-year-old died on a school trip after struggling in the sea.
- An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive could lead to prosecution.
- The full inquest's timing depends on the HSE investigation's outcome.
A criminal prosecution may follow the death of a 17-year-old, Samuel Oluwagbenga, who drowned during a school trip to West Wittering, West Sussex, in July 2024. Samuel was attending Uxbridge College and was on an outing when he began struggling in the sea. Despite lifeguards' efforts to save him, he was pulled from the water and airlifted to St Richard's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An inquest hearing on February 4, 2026, informed Samuel's family that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating the incident. The outcome of this investigation will determine if criminal proceedings are initiated, potentially delaying the full inquest. The coroner stated that the inquest's progression hinges on whether the HSE decides to pursue prosecution and for what offenses.
Samuel, who had been in the UK for only a year, was remembered by his mother as a bright student eager to study IT and actively involved in his church. His family has been desperate for answers since the tragedy, with the full inquest provisionally set for July 2026, pending the HSE's decision. College representatives and lifeguards are expected to provide evidence.
