Oxford University has said it is reviewing its safety guidance after a student died after drowning at a local beauty spot. 

Wesley Akum-Ojong died on June 21 after celebrating the end of his exams with friends and jumping into the river near Port Meadow.

An inquest held in Oxford on Thursday (October 31) heard that the 19-year-old Brasenose College student was taking part in the traditional celebration of 'trashing' which involves throwing confetti and jumping in the river. 

Oxford University previously clamped down on trashing with a campaign billing it as wasteful and bad for the environment.

During the inquest, on October 31, Mr Akum-Ojong's family asked if any other students had died in similar circumstances. 

READ MORE: 'Future Prime Minister' student died after Oxford exam celebrations, inquest hears

Wesley Akum-Ojong (Image: Contributed) Jane Harris, co-director of student welfare and support, was at the inquest and told the family there were no records of any student jumping in the river and drowning when celebrating the end of their exams in the last 12 years. 

After the inquest, an Oxford University spokesperson said: “Wesley’s tragic death has deeply saddened the university community and we extend our fullest sympathies to all of his family and friends.

“The university has now put in place a review of student safety guidance. We will work with students to identify safety and health risks that they could encounter while at university and update our risk assessment, monitoring processes and guidance as necessary. 

“This will build on work already completed this summer on water hazard and safety guidance, which was shared with students at the start of this term.”

John Bowers KC, the principal of Brasenose College, added: “Wesley is greatly missed and his death at the end of the academic year due to a tragic accident devastated the whole college community. 

“Wesley embraced all aspects of college life in his first year, winning a prize for his first-year exam results, making a wide circle of friends and engaging in a range of college outreach, sporting and social activities. 

“We have worked closely with the university to strengthen student safety guidance particularly for new students and in the context of exam celebrations. 

“We remain fully committed to supporting Wesley’s family and friends in every way possible and will be holding a college service later this term to remember him and give thanks for his life.”

At the inquest, the coroner gave a verdict of accidental death. 

A statement from Mr Akum-Ojong's family, read at the hearing, said: “He was a popular person due to his kind nature. He had made friends in Oxford during his studies. He was happy at Brasenose and had the nickname of 'Future Prime Minister'. 

“He had ambitions of being the UK's youngest Prime Minister. He is dearly missed by the family.”

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