River Tyne drowning: Family offer support after Ovingham tragedy

Carl and Stella Hattersley have offered their condolences and support to the family of the 14-year-old who died after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne at about 3.30pm.

He had been cooling off in the water at Ovingham, near Prudhoe, with a 13-year-old boy who also got into difficulty but was rescued and taken to hospital in a critical condition.

It is almost two years since Robert Hattersley, who was 13 and from Crawcrook, died after swimming at the same place, beneath Ovingham bridge.

Robert died while swimming the River Tyne in July 2022 (Image: Contributor)His dad, Carl, said: “It is terrible news.

“When we heard about it, we thought: ‘Oh no, not this again’.

“It will have brought back a lot of memories for a lot of people around here.”

Robert’s mum, Stella, 49, who also has four daughters and eight grandchildren, said: “It is the same spot where Robert passed away.

“It all came flooding back. I have been thinking about our Robert and the family who have just lost their boy.

“They are going to be through the same as us. It is heartbreaking.

“If they do want any support they can come and talk to us.”

In December, a coroner ruled Robert, a student a Thorp Academy in Ryton, died an accidental death.

After the tragedy, just before school summer holidays in July 2022, Mr and Mrs Hatterlsey formed the Robert Hattersley Foundation in his memory to warn other children about water safety.

Now the couple is calling for action from the authorities to raise awareness of the danger of swimming in that part of the river.

Mrs Hattersley said: “It is dangerous because the currents come in really fast.

“We want to get more signs up to warn people and get someone out on patrol to go down there to stop the kids going into the water.”

Ms Hattersley said: “That area is a magnet and attracts young people during the hot weather.

“There are a lot of people go swimming there.

“It might look enticing but it is not safe. The currents come rushing down.

“People need to wake up. Another life has gone down there."

A second tragedy took place at Ovingham bridge on Saturday afternoon (Image: Gavin Havery)Get more from The Northern Echo and stay informed with subscription. Our special offer for May is £3 for 3 months or 30 per cent off an annual subscription at £55. Click here to find out more.

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Mr Hattersley added: "More needs to be done and there needs to be more awareness.

“We started our campaign after Robert died to make sure this never happened again but unfortunately it has.

“How many is it going to take?”