An inquest at Northumberland Coroner's Court has heard how two teenage boys, David Radut, 14, and Aras Rudzianskas, 13, drowned in the River Tyne at Ovingham, Northumberland, in May 2024. The pair had been taking turns on a rope swing over the water alongside a group of around 20 friends when David, who could not swim, accidentally let go and fell into the river. Aras entered the water to try to rescue him, but both boys lost their lives, in a case that highlights the dangers of open-water swimming for young people.

The court heard that David panicked and pushed Aras under the water as they struggled. Another child tried to help by grabbing David's arms but was forced to let go after feeling themselves being pulled under, and swam back to the bank. Assistant Coroner Paul Dunn said something grabbed that child's leg, though it was unclear whether it was David or the current. David went under and was not seen again, while Aras was carried off by the current. A paddleboarder, Fiona Matthews, later found Aras face down in the water, initially mistaking his back for a pale rock, and pulled him onto her board.