First 12 months University of Oxford scholar dies ‘celebrating exams’
A student from the University of Oxford tragically died after he is said to have jumped into the River Thames while celebrating the of his exams.
The first year student, 19, who has not yet been named, is believed to have died after an incident at Port Meadow on Friday.
Emergency services were called to reports of the incident unfolding, where the young man was pulled out of the water. He was taken to hospital for further treatment but sadly died shortly after.
An eyewitness told the Sun: ‘Lots of students were celebrating their end of exams by jumping into the water at Port Meadow from the Thames Path footbridge by Fiddler’s Island.
The 19-year-old died after ‘jumping into the river’ at Port Meadow (stock image)
Map showing the location of Port Meadow near Oxford
‘There was a massive emergency response, after his friends noticed that he didn’t come out of the water, from the fire, search and rescue, ambulance and police services before they found the man and unsuccessfully attempted to resuscitate him on the bank.’
A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out shortly and an inquest will be opened.
The University of Oxford has issued a statement following the tragedy.
A spokesperson said: ‘The College has confirmed that a first year student has died in tragic circumstances.
‘The College is in touch with the family and has been offering support to the student body.
‘Out of respect for the family’s privacy at this difficult time, they are not yet disclosing the name of the student or the college.’
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police added: ‘We are investigating the sudden, unexplained death of a 19-year-old man who tragically died in the water at Port Meadow, Oxford on Friday, June 21.
This stock image shows the River Thames flowing by Port Meadow
‘Officers and other emergency services attended the scene. The man was taken to hospital for treatment but sadly later died.
‘Officers are carrying out an investigation into this incident and is working alongside the coroner.
‘At this stage, there is no indication of any third party involvement.’
