Hayden Jones-Powell Inquest: Boy, 13, Said He Couldn’t Swim Before Drowning

Hayden Jones-Powell, 13, told friends he could not swim before entering a Leicestershire lake where he drowned, an inquest heard. A coroner has recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

Hayden died at Meynell Lake, off Fosse Way in Syston, on June 25. He was among a group of 15 children who visited the lake after Wreake Valley Academy finished early because of high temperatures.

The inquest concluded in writing on Friday, September 25, with Assistant Coroner Isobel Thistlethwaite recording a conclusion of accident, according to LeicestershireLive.

Friends Raised the Alarm

Hayden was last seen at around 12.45pm. His friends raised the alarm, and teachers from the academy went to the lake to help search for him.

Police were called shortly after 1.30pm. Specialist divers, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service joined the search.

Hayden was found in the water at 8.15pm that evening. A post-mortem examination confirmed drowning, and Leicestershire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Family Remember His Smile and Sense of Humour

His parents, Ben Jones-Powell and Emily Ambler, remembered their son’s love of animals, football and spending time outdoors.

“We want him to be remembered by his big smile,” they said.

Hayden supported West Bromwich Albion and had two older brothers and a sister. Hundreds of people gathered in Syston’s Central Park two days after his death to pay tribute.

Wreake Valley Academy said the loss had deeply affected its community and that support was being provided to students, staff and families.