A man has died in Oxford as police descended on one of the city’s beauty spots.

The incident occurred on Friday, June 21 at Port Meadow as emergency services arrived at the area following reports of someone drowning.

Thames Valley Police as well as Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and recovered a man from the water.

The 19-year-old was taken to hospital in the city but died despite the efforts of the emergency service staff.

READ MORE: Child hit by car at Kidlington supermarket car park

One of the bridges at Port Meadow.One of the bridges at Port Meadow.

An eyewitness anonymously 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.

“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 and unsuccessfully attempted to resuscitate him on the bank.

“The man passed away which was confirmed in an email sent to students in his college.

“I was there and witnessed this unfolding.”

READ MORE: City centre shopping centre warning amid heatwave parking rush

Thames Valley Police are investigating the death and have described it as currently “unexplained”.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Thames Valley Police is investigating the sudden, unexplained death of a 19-year-old man who tragically died in the water at Port Meadow, Oxford on Friday, 21 June.

“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.”

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app