What should have been a joyful rite of passage ended in heartbreak for one family in South Wales.
David Ejimofor, a 15-year-old with a bright future and a love for fitness, drowned after jumping into the sea with friends—celebrating the end of his school exams in a local tradition that’s long been considered a coming-of-age moment.
The incident took place in June 2023 at Aberavon Beach in Port Talbot, a well-known spot where teenagers gather to leap from the pier into the water.
But this time, the celebration turned fatal.
A Known Tradition With Hidden Dangers
David had joined his friends for what many in the community see as an annual ritual—jumping from the breakwater at high tide once GCSEs or A-levels are done.
It’s something the locals are familiar with, but this time, there were no lifeguards on duty to intervene.
After getting into difficulty in the water, David was rushed to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend.
Despite efforts to save him, he sadly passed away.
A Question of Prevention
At an inquest, Assistant Coroner Edward Ramsay didn’t hold back.
He questioned why there were no lifeguards stationed at the pier—especially since it was previously standard practice to have them there during the warmer months when this tradition typically takes place.
Ramsay said plainly that David may not have died had a lifeguard been present.
“Had there been one, it is possible that David would not have jumped and therefore would not have drowned,” he explained.
What’s troubling is that the coroner wasn’t given a clear reason why the safety measures were removed—or why they hadn’t been reinstated since the tragedy.
A Family’s Plea for Change
In the wake of David’s death, his family launched a petition calling on Neath Port Talbot Council to improve safety and supervision at Aberavon Beach.
Their grief was paired with determination: they don’t want David’s name to be just another statistic.
They argue that if the community and local schools know about this yearly tradition, then the council should be prepared—especially with added safety measures during those peak times.
While a few changes have been made since the incident, such as clearer warning signs and a low-height barrier, the coroner noted there was no real evidence that these have been effective in actually stopping young people from jumping.
Remembering David
David wasn’t just a teenager who loved sports—he was a TikTok content creator, a bodybuilder, and a young man full of life.
His family described him as kind, God-fearing, and endlessly enthusiastic.
“He always strived to be the best version of himself,” they said. “His infectious smile and caring nature touched the lives of many.”
He was heavier than most kids his age, owing to his athletic lifestyle, and the inquest heard that even his friends—who tried to keep him afloat—were physically exhausted during the rescue attempt.
A Call to Action
The coroner has now officially submitted a prevention of future deaths report to Neath Port Talbot Council, Associated British Ports, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. They have 56 days to respond.
David’s family hopes that his tragic death can spark real, lasting change—so no other child suffers the same fate.
As they put it in their petition: “We want his name to serve as the end of this unfortunate trail.”