Oxford River Thames death – boy named locally amid tributes

The teenage boy, named locally as Baltazar L’Quy, got into difficulty close to Donnington bridge on Wednesday evening, May 27 before he was tragically pronounced dead.

His family has been made aware and are being looked after, police say.

Baltazar, of Timorese descent in south east Asia, was named by the Oxford Timorese Community Association.

Fire crew near Iffley Lock (Image: Kevin Brackett)

Karlota, who did not leave give her surname, was on-scene when Baltazar got into difficulty and said “he was not alone” in his final moments.

She said: “I wanted to send my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family during this unimaginably difficult time.

“I was there that evening, and I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that he was not alone.

“Several of us who were present did absolutely everything humanly possible to find him and help him; we didn’t leave his side for a single moment.

“We are holding you in our thoughts and sending you all the love and support in the world. May your sweet angel rest in peace.”

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Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds described the death as “shocking and very upsetting” and added: “I know everyone in Oxford will be heartbroken to hear.

“My thoughts and sympathy are with this poor boy’s family and everyone who was at the scene of this dreadful incident.

“This tragedy appears to have happened near the terrible incidents with Aown Dogar and Hussain Mohammed, may they rest in peace.

“It’s awful to see again a young life being lost in this way.”

Aown, 13, was playing piggy in the middle and tag in waist-deep water at Donnington Bridge in 2015 when he drowned.

And in 2012, Mohammed Hussain died aged 15 after jumping from the bridge into the river also at the same spot.

A member of the Oxford Timorese Community Association group told the BBC: “This has been a very painful moment, not only for the family, but also for the Timorese community, in Oxford and across the United Kingdom.

“This tragedy is very sad and is shocking to most parents – not only within the East Timor community.”

The member added: “The mum was actually saying that this is happening to them, and it’s shocking and it’s very sudden.

“But she would like to remind all the other parents, to remind the children when they’re out there – don’t just go into any water and to always make sure that they go with an adult.”