Ashamekh Bortata, a 17-year-old student from Libya, drowned after disappearing in a lake near the iconic Chirk Castle, located on the England-Wales border. The tragic incident occurred while he was visiting with a group of teenagers from Liverpool on one of the hottest days of the year.
A friend quickly raised the alarm by calling 999. North Wales Police and fire crews responded promptly, launching an intensive search operation. Divers recovered Ashamekh’s body the following day.
At an inquest held in Ruthin, coroner John Gittins confirmed drowning as the provisional cause of death. Ashamekh had entered the water after the group had made their way through nearby woodland. Mr Gittins stated, “Clearly it’s a matter which must now proceed to a (full) inquest.”
The tragedy took place amid a severe post-Easter heatwave that broke British temperature records, including a high of 24.8°C on Anglesey. Many people sought relief by visiting lakes and beaches, but on this sweltering day, the lake at Chirk Castle proved fatal.
Ashamekh’s funeral was held at Liverpool’s Al-Rahma Mosque, followed by burial. Detective Chief Superintendent Sian Beck offered her condolences, saying, “My deepest thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones, who are being supported by specialist officers following this tragic incident.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
