Uxbridge College teenager confirmed to have died after being airlifted to hospital from a West Sussex beach

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said emergency services, alongside HM Coastguard, were called to West Wittering Beach at about 1pm yesterday (July 2), due to concerns for the boy’s welfare in the sea.

The boy was part of a group from Uxbridge College in west London, who were visiting the area to celebrate the end of term. After being retrieved from the sea, he was airlifted to hospital and was sadly confirmed to have died. His next of kin have been informed, and police officers are investigating the full circumstances of the incident.

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A spokesperson for West Wittering Estate said: “We are deeply saddened to report that a 17-year-old boy drowned yesterday after getting into difficulty in the water.

“Lifeguards deployed their equipment, including jet skis, to rush to the scene. Police and emergency services were there quickly with members of HM Coastguard, before the young man was transported by helicopter to hospital where he unfortunately later died. His next of kin has been notified and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time."

Uxbridge College principal Dylan McTaggart said: “This was a tragic accident that has had a huge impact on everyone here. Our priority now is to look after all those affected.

“We have enlisted the help of qualified counsellors and will make sure that over the next days and weeks we have staff and professional support available to our community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we ask that you respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of a child.”

Detective Inspector Darren Taylor, of Sussex Police, said officers are investigating the incident to establish the full facts, supported by the Health and Safety Executive. This was an absolutely tragic incident and I would like to express my sincere condolences to the boy’s loved ones at this heartbreaking time,” he said.

“We are asking anyone who has any information that could help to contact us online or via 101, quoting Operation Redhill.”