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

The 19-year-old had ‘dived’ into the river to celebrate the end of his exams

6 months ago | UPDATED 2 months ago

University of Oxford has released a statement after a first year student 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.

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

In a statement, a spokesperson for the university has 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.”

A witness previously told of 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.

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.

Featured image via Google Maps.