Teen Drowns as Police Fail to Act: Inquest Verdict
In a tragic incident that unfolded on November 8, 2021, a 15-year-old boy named Marcel Wochna lost his life after leaping into the frigid waters of the River Itchen near Southampton. The shocking turn of events came as Marcel attempted to evade arrest, ultimately leading to a heart-wrenching verdict delivered by an inquest jury yesterday.
The Fateful Encounter
Marcel, accompanied by a friend, had ventured out during the night, engaging in playful antics on boats. Their escapade took an unexpected and tragic turn when Police Constables William Chan and Keely Miles arrived at the scene. PC Chan made an attempt to apprehend Marcel, but the young boy managed to break free and plunged into the icy river.
The Grim Reality of Neglect
The inquest shed light on a distressing series of events. Marcel, faced with the bone-chilling cold of the river, audibly gasped for breath. Shockingly, the officer on the scene failed to ensure Marcel’s well-being. Instead, he escorted Marcel to a patrol car to request backup. PC Chan admitted to not being familiar with the specific protocols for handling situations near water, apart from a general directive: “Don’t go in the water.” Furthermore, he disclosed that his swimming abilities were limited.
A Mother’s Grief
Marcel’s untimely demise left his mother, Beata, utterly devastated. She expressed the belief that her son might have survived had the officers intervened promptly. Instead, Marcel was left to grapple with the darkness and icy waters alone, a haunting ordeal that ultimately claimed his life. Beata fondly remembered her son as an outgoing, friendly, funny, and active young man.
The Jury’s Verdict
The jury at the Winchester inquest delivered a narrative verdict, citing that the officers’ actions fell short of the necessary immediate response to rescue Marcel. They pointed out that this neglect played a role in the tragic outcome.
In the wake of this somber verdict, questions loom regarding the responsibilities and preparedness of law enforcement officers when confronted with situations involving water. Marcel’s story serves as a painful reminder of the consequences that can arise when immediate action is not taken to prevent tragedy.