‘He Didn’t Hesitate’: Teen Who Tried to Save Friend in River Tyne Hailed for Extraordinary Bravery

 A 13-year-old who leapt into the River Tyne to rescue his struggling friend has been praised for an extraordinary act of bravery, as an inquest calls for urgent improvements to water safety.

A 13-year-old boy who lost his life while trying to rescue a friend from the River Tyne has been described as displaying one of the most courageous acts a coroner has witnessed in two decades.

An inquest heard that Aras Rudzianskas, 13, and David Ionut Radut, 14, travelled with a group of friends to the riverside near Ovingham, Northumberland, where they spent time using a rope swing over the water.

During the outing, David released the rope too early and landed in a deeper section of the river than expected. Unable to stay afloat, the 14-year-old called for help as he struggled in the strong water.

Without hesitation, Aras jumped into the river in an attempt to save his friend.

However, Northumberland Coroner’s Court heard that David, panicking in the water, accidentally forced Aras beneath the surface as both boys fought to survive. Another child, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, also entered the water in an effort to help but was unable to rescue them before the current swept the pair away.

Emergency services later recovered David’s body from the river that same day. Aras was found by a paddleboarder and taken to hospital, where he died three days later.

Concluding the two-day inquest, Assistant Coroner Paul Dunn paid an emotional tribute to Aras’ actions, describing them as among the bravest he had encountered during his 20 years in the role.

He said the teenager acted entirely without regard for his own safety, adding that if there were a formal verdict recognising bravery, he would have recorded it “without hesitation.” Mr Dunn said no standard inquest conclusion could truly reflect the courage Aras showed in trying to save his friend.

The coroner ruled that David’s death was accidental, explaining that although he was not a swimmer, he had only intended to swing over a relatively shallow section of the river before unexpectedly falling into deeper water.

Mr Dunn also praised the other children who witnessed the tragedy, saying they responded with remarkable maturity under devastating circumstances. He noted that one of the youngsters even risked their own life while trying to assist Aras before seeking help.

Following the inquest, two Prevention of Future Deaths reports were issued.

One was sent to Northumberland Estates, urging the landowner to take stronger responsibility for managing the area where the boys entered the river. The second was addressed to Northumberland County Council and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, calling for agencies to work together on a clearer, coordinated strategy to improve water safety around the River Tyne.

The recommendations aim to reduce the risk of similar tragedies and help prevent further loss of life at the popular riverside location.