Overview
- Khaled Basem Al Satouf, 12, disappeared while with family at Richmond Falls and died after becoming wedged between two rocks about 12 feet below the surface on 16 August.
- Assistant coroner Alison Norton recorded the cause of death as accidental drowning after hearing witness evidence that the boy had been 'messing around' and that one child witness said he 'can swim a bit but not in that water.'
- North Yorkshire Police and specialist water rescue teams began a search after an alert at about 5pm and recovered the boy's body at about 10:45pm, with officers stating there were no suspicious circumstances.
- Local residents have launched a petition for clearer warnings, more lifebuoys and patrols, and North Yorkshire Council — which added signage in 2024 and maintains two life rings and two emergency phones at the falls — is reviewing further measures.
- The coroner's formal finding now forms the legal record and will guide council and emergency services as they decide specific steps to reduce hazards at this fast-changing stretch of the River Swale.