Liverpool student, 17, drowns in Chirk lake swim with friends

Liverpool student, 17, drowns in Chirk lake swim with friends

A tragic drowning occurred during a day trip when Ashamekh Bortata, a 17-year-old student from Liverpool, got into trouble while swimming with friends in a lake. The inquest revealed that Ashamekh, described as “bright and funny,” lost his life after entering the water near Chirk Castle, close to Wrexham.

Ashamekh and six friends had originally planned to travel by train to Llangollen but changed their plans upon realizing the destination was difficult to reach. Instead, they decided to visit Chirk Castle. Following their walk around the castle grounds, the group discovered a fenced woodland area containing a lake. While some friends swam to a boat, Ashamekh first stayed on a pontoon before attempting to join them. It was then that he called out for help as he struggled in the water.

North Wales coroner John Gittins shared details from the emergency response, explaining that one of the young men had contacted the authorities, reporting that Ashamekh was drowning and that he had attempted to rescue him but lost his grip. Police arrived on the scene and an air search was undertaken. Sadly, Ashamekh’s body was retrieved the next day by a member of an underwater search team.

Soulaiman Bortata, Ashamekh’s father, provided a heartfelt tribute, highlighting his son’s academic strengths and personal qualities. The teenager was noted as an “excellent and popular” A level student at Liverpool Life Sciences University Technical College, with aspirations to study engineering at University College London. Soulaiman described Ashamekh as “a caring, bright and funny son” who enjoyed fitness, going to the gym, and cooking for his family. Coroner Gittins concluded the inquest by ruling the cause of death as drowning and citing misadventure, acknowledging the profound loss felt by all who loved Ashamekh

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