Grieving family’s tribute to teen who died swimming in heatwave

30 May 2026 • 2:39 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Grieving family’s tribute to teen who died swimming in heatwave

  • David Tita Jr, 17, died after getting into difficulty while swimming in Pickmere Lake, Cheshire, during the recent heatwave.
  • His family has paid a moving tribute, describing him as "compassionate", "brave", and a supportive figure to his family and the wider Crewe community.
  • David’s death is one of at least 12 fatalities in open water across the UK during the record-breaking heatwave.
  • Other victims include Declan Sawyer, 15, in Lincoln, Reco Puttock, 13, in West Yorkshire, and Junior Slater, 12, in Lancashire, among others.
  • Charities such as the RNLI have issued warnings about the dangers of swimming in open water, highlighting the risk of cold water shock due to low water temperatures despite high air temperatures.

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