An 18-year-old student has died after entering the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) expedition in Wales.
Emergency services were called to Glasbury, Powys, on Tuesday evening after reports that the teenager had entered the water and could not be found.
A major multi-agency search involving Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Mountain Rescue and the National Police Air Service was launched. Sadly, the teenager’s body was later recovered from the river.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award confirmed the young man had been taking part in an official expedition at the time of his death.
A spokesperson for the organisation said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a young person has drowned while on a DofE expedition in Powys, Wales.
“Our thoughts are with the young person’s family, together with all those who were taking part. We will do everything we can to support them at this difficult time.”
The charity said it is working closely with the student’s college and the relevant authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and is offering its full support to those affected.
Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to the River Wye at around 6.30pm after receiving reports that an 18-year-old male had entered the water and could not be located.
In a statement, the force said: “Sadly, the body of a male has been located. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
Police added that emergency services remained at the scene while inquiries continued and asked members of the public to avoid the area.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh alongside educationalist Kurt Hahn and Lord Hunt, encourages young people to develop new skills through volunteering, physical activity, expeditions and residential experiences. It is now patronised by Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, who has continued to champion the programme following the death of his father in 2021.
No further details about the teenager have been released.
