### Inquest Hears Friends Urged Teenager Who Lost His Life After Jumping from Pier
The tragic death of a 15-year-old schoolboy, David Ejimofor, following a jump from Aberavon Pier in Port Talbot, has raised significant concerns regarding peer pressure and water safety among teenagers. The details unfolded during an inquest at Swansea Coroners’ Court, as evidence suggested the teenager had been encouraged by friends to leap into the sea, despite professing little confidence in his swimming ability.
David, an accomplished weightlifter and track athlete from St Joseph’s Comprehensive School, was celebrating the completion of his exams on 19 June 2023 when the fatal incident occurred. The court heard that on the day of his death, David met with friends at the pier near the Victoria Road car park—a popular local spot—and voiced his doubts about being able to swim safely if he jumped into the water.
Eyewitness Luke McDonald, a fisherman who observed the group from a distance, recalled overhearing the group of around eight to nine boys. Mr McDonald noted one boy, matching David’s description, clearly hesitated on the pier, expressing his inability to swim. According to the fisherman’s statement read in court, the rest of the group jumped before David, and some called out in an attempt to persuade him to follow, reassuring him that the water was “not deep” and urging him on. McDonald told the inquest that after initial resistance, David “was not pushed or forced” but eventually gave in to the encouragement.
Upon entering the water, David quickly showed signs of distress, reportedly “thrashing about” as his friends tried to support him. His larger build, esteemed from his viral TikTok weightlifting videos, made it difficult for others in the water to keep him afloat. The panic amongst the teenagers became evident when others began shouting they could no longer see David, before launching a frantic rescue effort.
Tyler Rowland, an off-duty police officer who happened to be paddleboarding at the time, described how a commotion in the water drew his attention. As he approached, the remaining teenagers were visibly distressed, with some crying out that David hadn’t resurfaced. Officer Rowland immediately assisted with the underwater search, eventually locating David lifeless on the seabed and bringing him to the surface with the collaborative aid of others and a life ring from the pier.
Onlookers, including a nurse and other paddleboarders in the vicinity, rushed to render immediate medical assistance. Despite their determined attempts, including chest compressions and support from police officers who attended the scene, David could not be revived. Paramedics arrived swiftly and took over resuscitation efforts, administering defibrillator shocks and progressing with advanced life support. Sadly, he was pronounced dead just after 8pm.
Pathologist Dr Williams gave evidence that David died as a result of drowning. Reflecting on the events, Dr Williams remarked that while all but one of the boys routinely jumped from the pier, David only acquiesced after persistent encouragement, despite making clear that he was not a confident swimmer. Efforts by his peers to aid him in the water inadvertently led to further trouble, as the situation rapidly escalated.
David’s family, devastated by the loss, paid tribute to a remarkable young man who excelled not only in sports but also academically and musically. His mother, Maria, told the inquest her son was careful and not inclined to take risks, especially where water was concerned. She shared memories of family beach outings where David would venture only as far as knee or thigh depth and made it clear he understood his limitations in the water.
In an emotional tribute, Maria Ejimofor described David as “a bright and curious soul who always wore a smile”, highlighting his achievements in athletics, languages, and music. The family’s grief is shared by the wider Port Talbot community, where his presence is sorely missed.
The inquest has starkly illustrated not only the tragic consequences of peer pressure but also the vital need for water safety education, particularly among teenagers who may find themselves in similar situations. In the wake of David’s untimely passing, local authorities and school communities are being urged to reinforce safe practices and the importance of honest communication regarding one’s abilities in potentially dangerous environments.