A devastating incident on the River Tyne has resulted in the tragic deaths of two teenage boys, David Ionut Radut, 14, and Aras Rudzianskas, 13. The boys were playing on a rope swing near Ovingham, Northumberland, when a moment of distress turned into a double fatality. An inquest into their deaths heard the harrowing details of how one boy’s struggle in the water led to the other’s attempt at rescue, ultimately costing both their lives.
The Fatal Incident Unfolds
According to evidence presented at Northumberland Coroner’s Court, David Ionut Radut, who was unable to swim, misjudged his swing. Releasing too early, he landed in a deeper section of the river. His distress and calls for help prompted Aras Rudzianskas to bravely enter the water in an attempt to save his friend. However, in the ensuing panic, David inadvertently pushed Aras underwater. Another young person present attempted to help David by grabbing his arms, but had to let go as they too began to struggle in the current, managing to swim back to the riverbank.
Assistant Coroner Paul Dunn noted that the struggling boys may have been caught by the river’s current or something else. David submerged and was not seen again. Aras was subsequently swept downstream, his body found face down with arms outstretched.
Discovery and Rescue Efforts
Fiona Matthews, who was paddleboarding on the river, made the tragic discovery. Initially mistaking Aras’s back for a pale rock, she soon realized the gravity of the situation. With adrenaline coursing through her, Ms. Matthews pulled Aras onto her paddleboard and began chest compressions. She recounted the difficult process of trying to get him out of the water and continuing resuscitation efforts while paddling towards the riverbank, having lost her paddle and resorting to using her hands.
Ms. Matthews managed to bring Aras close enough to the bank for paramedics to take over. While medics were able to restore Aras’s heartbeat, he could not breathe on his own. He was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle, where he sadly passed away three days later.
Search for David and Police Response
Meanwhile, marine unit officers continued their search for David Ionut Radut. His body was recovered from the riverbed later that evening and also taken to the RVI. Following the discovery, police arranged for the tree branch supporting the rope swing to be removed the next morning. However, Detective Sergeant Danielle Grant informed the court that the entire tree had subsequently been cut down by an unknown individual.
The court heard that David and Aras, both residents of Newcastle, were part of a group of about 20 youngsters who had traveled to Ovingham on May 18, 2024. The tragedy occurred less than half an hour after they arrived at the river. They were the first to use the rope swing, which was attached to a tree branch, swinging out over the water. The incident unfolded so rapidly that no one else had a chance to use the swing.
Witness Accounts and Communication Delays
When the boys got into difficulty, some of the other young people in the group flagged down a passing bus to seek assistance. Northumbria Police received three rapid calls regarding the incident. A witness, Ben Corlett, described the scene as one of immense panic, hysteria, crying, and shouting. Initially, he did not understand the situation until he saw the children running in front of the bus.
The initial police call at 3:29 pm reported two friends had entered the river and were deceased, with the caller too distressed to provide further details. Two minutes later, a bus passenger reported a drowning, and by 3:35 pm, a third caller confirmed two males had drowned, explaining how one boy’s struggle had led to another’s attempt to help, before both were pulled under.
David’s family raised concerns about the delay in being informed of the incident, with notification not occurring until 6:50 pm. PC Grant explained that initial difficulties in identifying the boys, due to similar descriptions and a lack of possessions, contributed to the delay.
Coroner’s Perspective and Previous Incidents
Coroner Dunn noted that he was handling these inquests having previously presided over the inquest of 13-year-old Robert Hattersley, who also drowned in the River Tyne near Ovingham in 2022. He expressed his profound regret at having to deal with a similar tragedy in the same location, recalling his hope after the previous case that he would not face another such devastating circumstances.
The inquest is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding this heart-wrenching event.
