Criminal Prosecution Considered Following Teenager's Tragic Death on School Seaside Excursion
A criminal prosecution could be initiated concerning the death of a 17-year-old boy who tragically lost his life during a school trip after encountering difficulties in the sea, an inquest has been informed. Samuel Oluwagbenga was participating in an organised excursion from Uxbridge College to the coastal village of West Wittering in West Sussex during July 2024.
Emergency Response and Hospitalisation
At approximately lunchtime, Samuel was observed struggling while swimming, prompting lifeguards to swiftly intervene in a rescue attempt. He was successfully extracted from the water and subsequently airlifted to St Richard's Hospital in Chichester. Despite immediate medical attention, Samuel sadly passed away shortly after his arrival at the hospital.
Inquest Hearing and Investigation Details
During a recent inquest hearing, Samuel's family received notification that an ongoing investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) might culminate in criminal proceedings. The timing for the comprehensive inquest into his death will be contingent upon the conclusions drawn from this official investigation.
The court was advised that should the HSE determine enforcement action is warranted, potential delays to the inquest process may occur. Penelope Schofield, coroner for West Sussex, explicitly stated: ‘Much will depend on whether there’s a prosecution and what the prosecution is for.’
Background of the Deceased and Family Impact
Samuel, originally from Nigeria, had resided in the United Kingdom for merely one year but had demonstrated remarkable adaptation to his new environment. In a poignant interview following the tragedy, his mother Taiwo revealed that her son was actively integrating into British life, forming friendships at school, attending church weekly, and volunteering as a five-a-side football coach during his leisure time.
She described Samuel as proficient in information technology with aspirations to pursue university studies in the subject, utilising his technical skills to assist his Sunday church community. The beach trip to West Wittering was undertaken alongside fellow college pupils, with the location being a popular tourist destination capable of attracting up to 20,000 daily visitors during peak periods.
Family's Ongoing Anguish and Procedural Developments
Eighteen months have now elapsed since the devastating incident, with Samuel's family expressing desperate need for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. His mother emotionally recounted in 2024: ‘My son went and he didn't come back. Fifty children went and only my son didn't come back.’
She further elaborated on the profound family impact, explaining: ‘He always looked after his brother and now, his brother asks where Samuel is and when he will come back? My youngest doesn't want to go home, he doesn't want to go to our house. He doesn't want to stay there. If we go back home, he will start to cry because he constantly asks where is his brother that he plays with?’
Procedural Timeline and Evidence Gathering
Coroner Schofield has provisionally scheduled the full inquest for July of this year, though this remains subject to the findings of the HSE investigation. Both the lifeguards on duty at West Wittering beach during the incident and representatives from Uxbridge College who organised the educational trip are expected to be summoned to provide testimony during proceedings.
Institutional Response and Support Measures
Following the tragedy, Uxbridge College extended their ‘condolences and sympathy’ to Samuel's bereaved family. A college spokesperson affirmed: ‘We continue to provide support to Samuel’s family and were honoured to celebrate his life with them alongside his student friends at the recent College memorial that brought them together in their grief. We are in touch with the family and will provide them with updates as soon as we are able.’
