Oxford University student dies in river whilst celebrating end of exams

A University of Oxford has died in the River Thames in Oxford whilst celebrating the end of his exams.

The 19-year-old student was believed to be wearing academic dress, as is traditional at the university for the end of the academic year, when he entered the river on Friday 21st June, The Sun reports.

A witness told The Sun how they had seen lots of students diving into and swimming in the river 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.

Emergency services attended the scene but the male student died at hospital a short time later.

Thames Valley Police has now launched a probe into the death which is currently being treated as “unexplained” with a post mortem due to be carried out soon.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police added: “We are investigating the sudden, unexplained death of a 19-year-old man who tragically died in the water at Port Meadow, Oxford on Friday, June 21st.

“Officers and other emergency services attended the scene. The man was taken to hospital for treatment but sadly later died.

“Officers are carrying out an investigation into this incident and is working alongside the coroner.

“At this stage, there is no indication of any third party involvement.”

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