What happened to Samuel Oluwagbenga on his school trip?

Samuel Oluwagbenga, a 17-year-old student from Uxbridge College, tragically drowned after getting into difficulty in the sea during a school trip to West Wittering beach.

Could a criminal prosecution occur after the student's death?

Yes, an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is underway, and its outcome may result in a criminal prosecution related to the student's death.

When will the full inquest into the student's death take place?

The timing of the full inquest is dependent on the findings of the HSE investigation; a provisional date has been set for July 2026.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / School Trip Tragedy: Criminal Probe Over Teen's Drowning

School Trip Tragedy: Criminal Probe Over Teen's Drowning

4 Feb

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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.

School Trip Tragedy: Criminal Probe Over Teen's Drowning

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.