By Inquest opened into tragic death of teenage boy who drowned in Scunthorpe lake
An inquest has been opened to investigate the tragic death of 14-year-old Kai Gardner-Pugh from Scunthorpe.
The body of the St Bede’s Catholic Academy pupil was discovered in a lake at Ashby Ville Nature Reserve in July.
Managed by North Lincolnshire Council, the reserve is popular among walkers, families and open water swimmers, despite safety concerns.
There are signs dotted across the nature reserve which state that swimming, paddle boarding and boating in the lake is prohibited.
Residents in the area expressed their shock then they witnessed people playing in the water just one day after the tragedy occured.
Local people say the lake is full of discarded items such as trolleys which make it extremely hazardous.
There are now calls for the waterway to be drained so the hazards under the water can be cleared.
Following Kai’s tragic death, several floral tributes were left at the scene.
The coroner of Grimsby and North Lincolnshire, Mark Kendall, has opened the inquest after he heard identification details.
The headteacher of Kai’s school, St Bede’s Catholic Academy, Ryan Hibbard said: “The school community is shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of one of our pupils, Kai Gardner-Pugh, he was 14 years old.
“Kai was a hard-working, humble, unassuming, and very intelligent young man with a close friendship group – a model pupil. He will be greatly missed and always remembered with affection.”
Our thoughts go out to Kai’s family and friends.
