Tragic final moments of boy, 11, who died in River Don during heatwave

Tragic final moments of boy, 11, who died in River Don during heatwave Mackenzie Swift, 11, was last seen entering the River Don, near Mexborough, with a major 48-hour search operation launched and his body was found three days later An 11-year-old boy died after entering a river in Doncaster and failing to resurface, an inquest heard. Mackenzie Swift was last seen entering the River Don, near Mexborough, on May 30, with a major 48-hour search operation launched. Concerns were raised when he failed to resurface and Mackenzie's body was recovered on June 2. An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at Doncaster Coroner's Court on Thursday. Area coroner Louise Slater was told that on May 30, emergency services were called to reports of a child in difficulty in the water. Coroner's officer Siobhan Golightly said: "It was reported that the child had entered the water. Upon arrival the emergency services launched an extensive search and rescue operation. Sadly, on June 2 the body of Mackenzie Swift was located and recovered." The coroner heard that Mackenzie was formally identified by his father. "Although the precise cause of death is yet to be confirmed, the pathologist noted features in keeping with drowning," Ms Golightly said, reported YorkshireLive. The hearing was told Mackenzie's body could be released to his family for the funeral, with a full inquest into his death scheduled for February 16 next year. Ms Slater said: "I would like to wish my most heartfelt condolences to Mackenzie's family at this most difficult time." Meanwhile an inquest into the death of a 12-year-old boy who died while swimming in a Lancashire river heard how "all the children" attempted to rescue him. Junior, whose full name was given as Graham Junior Slater, from Leyland, died while swimming in the River Ribble near Ribchester. Emergency services were called at around 2pm on March 26, after Junior got into difficulty in the water. A major search was launched and his body was recovered around six hours later. An inquest into Junior's death was opened at Preston Coroners' Court today (Thursday June 11) on the day of his funeral. Area Coroner Kate Bisset said: "Junior and his friends entered the water and Junior was observed to get into difficulty. "All the children attempted to assist him. Police were called. Sadly Junior was found underneath the water at 7.24pm." The court heard that Junior was born in Preston and lived in Clayton-le-Woods. A final inquest will be held on September 18 at Preston Coroners' Court before Assistant Coroner Richard Taylor. Junior was one of 19 people who died in water during the May heatwave. Just four days after Junior's death a woman in her 60s died at Thornton-Cleveleys while trying to rescue her dog from the sea. Junior previously attended The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School in Ribbleton, where he was remembered fondly by staff. His former headteacher, Miss Kelly Hannah, led tributes to the 12-year-old, describing him as a "bright spirit" who left a lasting impression on the school community. She said: "It is with deep sadness that we remember one of our former pupils, Junior Slater, who tragically passed away yesterday. "Although he left our school last year, his cheeky smile, warmth, kindness, and bright spirit left a lasting impression on both staff and students. Junior will be remembered for his smile, friendships, and the joy he brought to those around him. "Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences are with his mum and wider family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. As a school community, we stand together in remembering a young life taken far too soon." Junior's family issued a tribute after his death and said: "Our little blue-eyed boy. He will be truly missed. He was the life and soul of our lives. Words can’t describe how we are feeling right now. We will forever love you Junior." The Mirror has launched our 'Save Lives for Sam' campaign to stop the “catastrophic” deaths of 33 children who drown in England every year - “the equivalent of a classroom of children lost’. Drowning in the UK has become an "epidemic" and a "national emergency," campaigners say, as we all join forces today to urge the Government to take urgent action. The UK has seen a horrifying death toll of 19 children and adults killed in water related incidents during one week, in a record-breaking heatwave from May 24th to the 31st.