Boy dies after leaping from pier in a part of ‘coming of age tradition’

A teenage schoolboy has died after leaping from the top of a well-liked seaside pier in a part of a “coming of age” custom to rejoice finishing the final of his GCSEs.

David Ejimofor, 15, had simply jumped off the top of a pier at Aberavon Beach in Port Talbot, South Wales, when he obtained into bother within the water.

Emergency providers have been referred to as shortly after 6pm on Monday however medics weren’t capable of revive him.

The schoolboy’s devastated household described David as a “talented” pupil with an “infectious smile”.

David was reportedly inspired to make the leap off the top of the pier by his mates as a part of a “yearly coming of age ceremony” to mark the top of the college 12 months.

In an announcement from his household, launched by South Wales Police on Friday, David’s household urged younger individuals to not comply with the custom and claimed that others had been damage up to now by the stunt.  They additionally issued a warning to colleges and fogeys to concentrate on the custom.

David’s household mentioned: “This is not something we would want anyone else to have to suffer. It is for this reason we are using our dear David’s life as a beacon for change.”

In addition to the assertion, a web-based petition has been created calling for stronger security measures round open water whereas the climate is hotter. 

The assertion continued: “If everyone including schools are aware of this practice, surely we would expect the Council to have better safeguarding measures in place especially at this time of year.

“David Ejimofor was not the first to suffer such a fate at the hands of this pier.  We do not want David to be another statistic.

“We want his name to serve as an end of this unfortunate trail. 

“It is for this reason that we seek change and reform by improving safeguarding measures at Aberavon Beach.”

At time of writing, a petition to enhance safeguarding on the seashore has reached 2,883 or 5,000 signatures.

The petition requires the set up of bodily obstacles, enhanced visibility, practical and secured lifebuoys, a ladder in case of emergencies, clear signage, CCTV, improved lifeguard presence and a number of other engagement efforts with the council and group to coach and enhance consciousness. 

You can signal the petition HERE

The household described David as a “well behaved and God-fearing young boy” with an “unwavering passion for sports and health”. 

The assertion continued: “He was always striving to be the best version of himself. He has an infectious smile, caring nature, and boundless enthusiasm. He touched the lives of many.

“This heart-breaking incident has left us devastated. As described by locals, ‘he is a ray of sunshine to all of us’.

“David’s dreams of a bright future were cut short, but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

“We welcome the police investigation into this unfortunate incident and await a thorough report.”

His faculty, St. Joseph’s Catholic School & Sixth Form Centre in Port Talbot, additionally put out an announcement for David, studying: “He was a bright and diligent young man, hardworking, friendly, and popular with his classmates and teachers. David had a close group of friends.

“David’s wide and welcoming smile lit up every room that he entered. He was polite and well-mannered in all of his interactions, and was admired and respected by pupils and teachers alike.”