15-Year-Old Soccer Star Dies After ‘Getting into Difficulty’ While Swimming in Lake: Reports

A teenager who was a rising soccer star has died after going swimming in a lake in London.

According to the BBC, 15-year-old Izaiah Smith was found in Beckenham Place Park on Friday, April 4, more than seven hours after police began searching for him. His body was recovered from the lake around 10:40 p.m. local time, per the outlet.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed in a statement to the outlet that officers were alerted to a report at around 3:00 p.m. that a boy had gone “missing after getting into difficulty in the water.”

“Specialist diving teams were in attendance alongside the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade,” the statement said.

According to Sky News, a statement from a Scotland Yard spokesperson added that the boy “was taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead.”

“His death is being treated as unexpected but [is] not believed to be suspicious,” the official added.

PEOPLE has contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment.

Following his death, Smith’s soccer team, Dorking Wanderers F.C., paid tribute to him in an emotional post on X.

“We are absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of one of our young footballers – Izaiah Smith,” their statement read. “It is of course impossible to find the words to explain what a tragedy this is. Izaiah was a hugely popular and talented young man and will be sorely missed by all that knew him.”

They added, “The club will provide support for all involved in whatever way we possibly can. In the meantime all of our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates at this incredibly difficult time.”

In a post on X on April 5, Lewisham Council confirmed that Beckenham Place Park had reopened but the lake remained closed.

“Saturday 5 April 1.45 pm: Very sadly, police have now confirmed that a 15 year old boy lost his life at the lake at Beckenham Place Park yesterday,” the council wrote. “We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

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“The park has re-opened but the lake will remain closed with security in place until further notice. We are working closely with the police in order that their investigation establishes the full facts of what’s happened,” they added.

Credit: dotdashmeredith.com