David Ejimofor, a 15-year-old boy, passed away untimely on June 19, 2023, at Aberavon beach, Neath Port Talbot. He told his friends he couldn’t swim but jumped into the sea from a pier to celebrate the end of their GCSE exams.
His parents have since called for safety changes to protect other children in the wake of their son’s death.
David had a passion for sports from a young age and excelled in his school work. However, his swimming ability was average, and he didn’t like jumping in the water.
He could swim with some sessions he learned as a child, but wasn’t confident in the water.
Luke McDonald, a fisherman, overheard the child express uncertainty about his ability to swim if he dove into the deep ocean.
I then saw him jump in. He was not pushed or forced in. As he jumped in I was watching to make sure he was okay as I heard him say he couldn’t swim. I saw thrashing around a bit.
Luke McDonald
‘I saw some others grab him and keep him afloat. He looked like he had support. I turned back to my fishing rod. I then heard them say they couldn’t see him. I heard someone shout: “I can’t see Dave.”
Tyler Rowland, an off-duty police officer paddling with his wife, retrieved David from the water.
The teenage boy was heavy and wasn’t moving at all, and Amy Saunders, a nurse who was at the beach training for an Iron Man competition, administered CPR.
Unfortunately, David was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:05 pm. He had been under the water for 10 minutes, and Swansea University pathologist Dr Williams confirmed that he died from drowning.
Det Sgt Simon Davies from South Wales Police confirmed that no witness suggested David had been pushed into the water, but he appeared anxious before jumping.
David Ejimofor’s Legacy Of Strength And The Fight For Safer Beaches
David Ejimofor, the son of Maria and Alex Ejimofor, was born in 2008. His mother, Maria Ejimofor, described him as a bright and curious soul who always had a smile on his face.
He was a talented athlete and a diligent student who dreamed of becoming a doctor. However, fate had other plans, and an unthinkable incident occurred on June 19, 2023.
David was no ordinary teenager. He was a gifted athlete who had won multiple sprinting competitions and excelled in weightlifting.
He even gained followers on TikTok for his strength-training tutorials. His physique, more muscular than that of an average 15-year-old, reflected his dedication to fitness and a bodybuilder’s diet.
But beyond his physical prowess, he was an intelligent and compassionate boy who excelled academically, particularly in French and mathematics.
His mother, Maria, fondly recalled his love for music, saying he played the piano with melodies that “touched our hearts.”
David was a beacon of positivity and resilience. He brought joy and laughter and his memory will remain in the hearts of those fortunate to have known him. His spirit inspires us to find strength in the most difficult moments.
Maria Ejimofor
The Ejimofor family lived near the beach, and David often visited, but he was always cautious around the water.
His parents were stunned to learn he had jumped from the pier, which was so out of character for their careful son.
Maria and Alex rushed to the scene before being taken to Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend with their son. Despite desperate efforts, David could not be saved.
My 15 year old cousin David Ejimofor sadly passed away on the 19th of June following a tragic accident at Aberavon Beach. As a family, we are devastated and simply want to prevent further incidents from happening in future by improving safeguarding measures on Aberavon beach. This is not something we would want anyone else to have to suffer. It is for this reason, we are using our beloved David as a beacon for change. Please sign our petition in support of our plea. God bless you all xx.
Jessica-mary Onuoha
David’s demise could have been prevented if the Council had introduced the necessary safety precautions.
Thus, the Ejimofor family petitioned to tell Neath Port Talbot Council and ABP that they need to act now to make the beach safer by introducing more safety measures on Aberavon beach.
In case You Didn’t know
- David Ejimofor was full of life, and the whole community loved him.
- He studied at St Joseph’s Catholic School, and the school plans to build a classroom in memory of him.
