The dad of a 14 year-old-boy who drowned whilst cooling off in a river has claimed that his son could not swim and hated the water. Brian Sasu, 14, was with friends at Tagg’s Island in Hampton, South West London, on Monday afternoon as temperatures peaked at 37C.
The teenager reportedly got into the River Thames to cool down, but got into difficulty and went missing in the water. Police immediately started a search using specially trained officers and equipment. His body was found late on Tuesday afternoon.
Brian’s heartbroken father, George Sasu, spoke to MailOnline and told them: “Brian could not swim, he hated being in the water. He only liked playing football and never showed any interest in any kind of water sports. We are all devastated, this is like a nightmare. At the moment, we are waiting to hear more details from the police. This is a very difficult time for us.”
Mr Sasu revealed he had last spoke to his son at around 2.30pm on Monday but that Brian did not mention going swimming in the Thames. He said he believes this is because Brian would have known if he’d mentioned swimming, his father would have told him not to go, reports MyLondon.
Brian’s mother, Leticia, 50, sobbed: “I haven’t been able to sleep or eat since this incident. My son just had some basic swimming lessons when he was at primary school but never enjoyed them and never learnt to swim properly. I’m not able to think straight and this whole thing has left me, and the family crushed.”
George and Leticia want to warn others of the dangers that come with swimming in open water without the right skills. Mr Sasu said: “I wouldn’t want any other family to experience what we are going through.”
Brian, who had two siblings, a sister aged 17 and younger brother, 9 attended St Mark’s Roman Catholic School in Hounslow, West London where a special assembly was held today following the news of him going missing. Brian is believed to have gone to Tagg’s Island with a group of school pals after the school closed early because of excessive heat.
Following the extensive search, Richmond police in southwest London tweeted: “We are sad to report that the body of a 14-year-old boy has been recovered from the Thames this afternoon. Our thoughts are with his family, who are being supported by officers.”
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