Oxford student who died celebrating end of exams said uni was ‘the best period of my life’

The University of Oxford student who died jumping into the river celebrating the end of his exams has been named as Wesley Akum-Ojong.

The 19 year old was studying politics, philosophy and economics at Brasenose College and died shortly after rescuers pulled him from the River Thames on the 21st June.

Writing in a blog post for the university, the former Watford  Grammar School student described his first year at Oxford as “the best period of my life so far” and added that he “made so many great memories”.

Wesley was reported to have been wearing his full academic dress as is tradition at the university for exams. A witness told The Sun how they had seen lots of students diving into and swimming in the Thames at Port Meadow shortly before the incident took place.

“Lots of students were celebrating their end of exams by jumping into the water at Port Meadow from the Thames Path footbridge by Fiddler’s Island.

“Unfortunately towards the end, one man wearing academic dress jumped in and drowned before he could make it back to the bank,” the witness said. He was taken to hospital for further treatment but died shortly after.

In April, Wesley Akum-Okong said in a blog: “There really is no place like Brasenose”, his college, and added: “It’s odd to think I only have eight weeks left of being a first year. So much has changed, and I’ve made so many great memories. It feels both like I arrived just yesterday but also as if I’ve been here for years.”

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He also spoke about initial fears that he might not “fit in”, but explained that “none of these fears materialised, and arriving in Oxford started the best period of my life so far”. Wesley made the most of university life, getting involved as a Racial and Ethnic Minorities rep for his college and not missing a single College bop (big organised parties, ran by the college).

The student said he had enjoyed socialising “in a small, unintimidating environment perfect for bonding with soon-to-be best friends.

“Being at the friendliest college certainly has its advantages. By the end of my first night, I knew that I had definitely made the right choice with Brasenose. I definitely didn’t think Brasenose would be as vibrant and social as it has turned out to be.

“I have enjoyed going to events run by a wide range of societies. I was even able to get more involved with activities inside college by becoming a Racial and Ethnic Minorities rep and maintaining my 100 per cent bop (Big Organised Parties – college socials) attendance rate.”

“After reading all of this, it may come as a shock that I have a degree to study for as well. I always knew I wanted to study something containing politics.”

An inquest into his death is scheduled to open on Friday at the Oxfordshire coroner’s court. Thames Valley police said the death was “considered a non-suspicious but unexplained death so we’ve prepared a file for the coroner”.

In a statement after his death, a spokesperson for the university said: “The college has confirmed that a first year student has died in tragic circumstances.

“The college is in touch with the family and has been offering support to the student body.

“Out of respect for the family’s privacy at this difficult time, they are not yet disclosing the name of the student or the college.”

Jean-Pierre Du Pon, of the community group Cameroonian Solidarity UK, added on Facebook: “It is with great sorrow and sorrow that we learn of the demise of our young compatriot Wesley Agbor-Ashu Akum Ojong at just 19 years of age, in a hospital in the city of Oxford where he resided and studied.

“Our fraternal thoughts go to his parents but also to the whole family of the Cameroonian diaspora in the UK.”

Related stories recommended by this writer: 

• Oxford University student dies in river whilst celebrating end of exams

• University of Oxford issues statement after first year student dies in river

• Oxford student unlocks door in halls to find a terrifying devil room complete with blood

Featured image via Brasenose and Ben Seymour on Unsplash.