Lake District tragedy as teenage boy, 17, found dead after desperate search

The boy had been seen getting into difficulty in the water at High Dam Tarn

A desperate search has turned to tragedy as the body of a teenage boy has sadly been recovered from a Lake District beauty spot.

The 17-year-old boy was spotted struggling in the water at High Dam Tarn near Lake Windermere by a member of the public on Tuesday (April 7). The passer-by urgently called 999 which saw emergency services race to the scene shortly after 12.30pm.

The youngster was shortly declared missing and the public urged to stay away from the area while rescue crews conducted their searches. Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard and local mountain rescue teams, all descended on the scene in desperate search for the boy.

Tragically, the force confirmed last night that a body had been relocated. It added the death of the teen is not being treated as suspicious, reports The Mirror.

“The thoughts and condolences of the entire rescue team are with the male’s family and friends who are being supported by detectives.” Supt Patrick O’Hara said. “I would also like to thank local farmers who supported the operation conveying first responders and equipment off-road to the search area.”

High Dam is an artificial tarn popular with walkers and tourists in the Lake District. Police said in a previous statement: “Cumbria Constabulary received a call at 12:32pm from a member of the public indicating someone was in difficulty in the water at High Dam Tarn.

“A multi-agency rescue operation was subsequently launched with teams deploying from Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard and local Mountain Rescue Teams.

“A 17-year-old male is currently missing having entered the water. A number of teams remain on scene and are continuing shoreline, surface and sub-surface searches at this time.”