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Inquest Opens Into High Dam Drowning of 17-Year-Old

The family wants clearer warnings and rescue gear at the tarn.

Overview

  • Assistant coroner Nicholas Shaw opened the inquest on Thursday and set a provisional September 1st date while awaiting police, witness and ambulance statements.
  • A CT scan and post-mortem provisionally found drowning as the cause of death, and Cumbria Police say they are not treating the case as suspicious.
  • Cumbria Police received a 12:32pm call on April 7th, prompting a search by coastguard, mountain rescue, fire and ambulance teams, and divers recovered his body just before 9pm.
  • Friends have raised nearly £16,000 to support the family and to fund lifesaving equipment and clearer signs at High Dam.
  • Relatives say cold water shock may have been a factor, a sudden response to cold that boosts heart rate and weakens arm and leg muscles, and the park authority says it will consider any coroner recommendations.