An inquest revealed that a teenager who tragically passed away in a river was unaware of the risks involved. Lotus Bowker, 15, entered the River Wyre near Garstang Cricket Club against his parents’ advice, as he had limited swimming abilities due to a Developmental Learning Disorder. Despite his condition, Lotus attempted to emulate his peers and was easily influenced.
Before the incident, Lotus’s father encountered him and his friends on their way to the river. Thinking they were heading to a different location, he later learned of their plan to swim in the river, causing concern due to Lotus’s inability to swim.
During the inquest at Preston Coroners’ Court, it was disclosed that Lotus and his friends had consumed some alcohol before entering the water. Although Lotus had a minimal amount in his system, he struggled immediately after jumping in, resulting in a distressing situation where he unintentionally endangered one of his friends.
Witness testimonies revealed that despite warnings from a passing police medic about the dangers, the boys proceeded to enter the water near a pumping station. Passers-by, including individuals like Shelby Quigley and Neil Quinn, bravely intervened to rescue Lotus from drowning, with Neil performing CPR on him.
Medical professionals and bystanders, including an anaesthetist and concerned pedestrians, made efforts to assist Lotus before he was rushed to the hospital. Tragically, despite intensive medical intervention, Lotus succumbed to his injuries due to drowning and hypothermia, exacerbated by a lack of oxygen to his brain.
Further investigations by United Utilities highlighted safety measures in place at the site, including warning signs and increased fencing heights to prevent unauthorized access to potentially risky areas. The inquest concluded that Lotus’s death was a result of misadventure, emphasizing his susceptibility to influence due to his Developmental Learning Disorder.
The coroner emphasized that Lotus was not coerced by his friends but was influenced by his desire to fit in, attributing his inability to assess risks to his condition. The community has since taken steps to enhance safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.