Boy, 17, drowns while swimming in open water during mini-heatwave

A teenage boy has drowned while swimming in open water on one of the hottest days of the year.

Ronalds Abele, 17, was swimming at The Embankment, in Wellingborough, on Friday, and was pulled from the water by emergency services after he got into difficulty.

He was airlifted to Northampton General Hospital but was later declared dead there.

Police have described his death as a ‘tragic incident’.

Part of The Embankment was sealed off, with nearby roads closed and boaters prevented from coming into the area.

It is a popular riverside walking and picnic area.

Flowers have been left there by well-wishers.

A police statement posted on social media said a ‘17-year-old Wellingborough boy has tragically died following a drowning incident in the town’.

It added: ‘Police, paramedics & fire crews were called just after 1.45pm yesterday (Friday, May 10) after reports that a teenager had got into difficulty swimming in open water at the Embankment.

‘Firefighters from Rushden and Irthlingborough and a specialist unit from Mereway recovered the boy and he was airlifted to Northampton General Hospital where, sadly, he was pronounced deceased.

‘Police have today named the teenager as Ronalds Abele.’

A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said: ‘This was a tragic incident and Ronalds’ family have requested privacy at this very distressing time.’

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