Tragic Death of Teen Cancer Survivor After River Incident
A 13-year-old boy who had miraculously overcome stage four cancer has tragically died after falling into a river while drinking with friends, a coroner's court has heard. Mylo Capilla, described by his father as 'one of a kind,' drowned in the River Tees in Ingleby Barwick, Teesside, on June 27 last year.
Fatal Evening at 'The Muddies'
The schoolboy had gone to an area locally known as 'the Muddies' by the River Tees with friends to build a makeshift den. Mylo, who suffered from cystic fibrosis since infancy and had previously beaten a diagnosis of stage four cancer in 2021, entered the water and was swept away by the current.
A massive police search operation was immediately launched involving drones, divers, and a helicopter. Despite extensive efforts through the night, Mylo's body was recovered from the river the following day at 4:20 PM.
Alcohol Played Significant Role
The inquest at Teesside Coroners Court heard that Mylo had been drinking vodka and gin with friends before the incident. Toxicology tests revealed he had a blood alcohol reading of 288mg per 100ml - more than three times the legal drink-driving limit for adults.
Consultant Home Office pathologist Sam Hoggard stated this level of intoxication would have caused confusion, dizziness, and an increased pain threshold. Assistant coroner Paul Appleton concluded that Mylo died due to drowning while significantly intoxicated, which likely impaired his judgement and ability to save himself.
Heartbreaking Final Moments
Evidence presented to the court revealed that Mylo had texted a friend saying 'I may have had too much vodka' as he headed toward the river. A friend who was with him told police they 'went into the water but could not recall how or why' and described Mylo holding onto a branch.
This friend was later found 'covered in mud and slightly intoxicated.' Mylo's bike and phone were discovered near the riverbank, prompting the major police response.
A Life of Courage and Challenges
In a statement read to the hearing, Mylo's father Daniel Capilla described his son as 'caring, kind, loyal, and loved by so many people.' He shared that Mylo had visited him on the day of his death, proudly announcing he had a new girlfriend.
'Mylo was always ready to wrap you in one of his famous hugs,' Mr. Capilla said. 'He always knew what to give and he gave it freely.' The father recalled their final exchange, where Mylo hugged him and said 'love you Papa' before leaving the house.
The court heard that even during his cancer treatment, Mylo remained 'brave and carried on being his usual self, joking and being silly.' He had been given the all-clear from stage four cancer in 2022 after his 2021 diagnosis.
Mother's Heartbreaking Plea
In a statement following the hearing, Mylo's mother made an emotional appeal to other parents: 'Hold your babies close, no matter how old they are. Tell them you love them.'
'My beautiful boy had a short life and he faced more challenges than many do in a lifetime, but he lived every single day to the fullest,' she said. 'He was funny, full of energy, and had a way of lighting up a room the moment he walked into it.'
The grieving mother added: 'Hearing the conclusion that he drowned, with alcohol playing a part, has broken our hearts beyond words. Please, please take water safety and the risks of alcohol seriously.'
Sequence of Events
The inquest detailed how Mylo and his friends visited Tesco and One Stop shops before heading to the Muddies at 6:03 PM. They intended to build a den, with Mylo carrying bottles of vodka and gin in his bag along with shot cups.
By 8:50 PM, parents had raised concerns about the boys' whereabouts. Cleveland Police were called at 9:09 PM and officers arrived at the scene twenty minutes later.
Detective Chief Inspector David Snaith explained that the force launched a major response after learning Mylo, a student at All Saints CE Academy in Ingleby, had entered the river. Nearby residents joined the search through the night in a community effort to find the missing teenager.
Assistant coroner Paul Appleton's final conclusion recorded that Mylo Capilla died due to drowning at a time when he was intoxicated after consuming a significant amount of alcohol, which may have impaired his judgement and ability to save himself.
