Oxford University student dies after jumping in river to celebrate end of exams
Oxford University
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An Oxford University student has died after jumping into the River Thames to celebrate the end of exams.
The 19-year-old first-year student reportedly drowned after leaping into the river at Port Meadow on June 21.
Paramedics tried to resuscitate the unnamed man on the riverbank.
The student, who was wearing full academic dress, was taken to hospital but died soon after.
Oxford UniversityFlickrThames Valley Police have opened an investigation into the incident.
However, the force stressed there were no signs anyone else was involved.
A file is being prepared for the coroner and a post-mortem examination will follow.
A witness told the Oxford Mail: “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.
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It is tradition for students to jump into the river
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“Unfortunately towards the end, one man wearing academic dress jumped in and drowned before he made it back to the bank.
“There was a massive emergency response, after his friends noticed that he didn’t come out of the water, from the fire, search and rescue, ambulance and police services before they found the man …The man passed away which was confirmed in an email sent to students in his college.”
Oxford University added: “The college has confirmed that a first-year student has died in tragic circumstances.
“The college is in touch with the family and have been offering support to the student body.
A procession takes place at Oxford University
PA“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.”
Thames Valley Police launched its investigation following a “sudden, unexplained death of a 19-year-old man”.
The force added: “Officers and other emergency services attended the scene. The man was taken to hospital for treatment but sadly later died.
“Thames Valley Police is 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.”