A heartbreaking inquest has concluded that 15-year-old Nigerian teenager, David Chiaka Ejimofor, tragically died by drowning after jumping into the sea
This happened at a breakwater in Aberavon, Neath Port Talbot, South Wales, on 19 June 2023, shortly after 7:00pm.
Coroner Edward Ramsay stated that a lack of effective deterrents contributed to the incident.
“I have no idea if David saw the signage stating no access,” he said.
“But even if he did, there was no physical barrier in place to prevent entry.”
The coroner highlighted that had a lifeguard been present on duty at the time, the fatal jump might have been avoided.
“It is possible David would not have jumped, and therefore not have drowned,” he concluded.
Although David Chiaka had previously received swimming lessons, his mother, Maria Ejimofor, described him as a “cautious” swimmer.
Internet searches found on his phone revealed he had been planning to go swimming that day but had expressed concern about jumping from heights.
Mr Ramsay said the breakwater area, which was not meant for recreational jumping, had “effectively unrestricted and undeterred access,” raising questions about local safety measures.
Upon hitting the water, David reportedly found himself in “immediate difficulty”.
Despite desperate attempts from friends to help, David could not be saved.
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Members of the public also attempted CPR before emergency services arrived.
Despite all efforts, David was sadly declared dead after being pulled from the sea
