An 18-year-old named Umar Dumbuya has died during a Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) expedition in Powys, Wales. Dumbuya, from London, was found unresponsive after entering the River Wye last week.
Emergency services, including police, fire, and mountain rescue, were alerted to the incident after reports of someone entering the water and subsequently going missing. Following an extensive search, police located Dumbuya's body. The DofE has stated it is collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
In a tribute, Dumbuya's family described him as a kind and caring young man. "We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother and grandson," they said. "There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. Umar was a loving boy and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him." The family noted his love for basketball, the gym, and spending time with friends and family, remembering him for his "kindness, warmth, and sense of humour." They have requested privacy to grieve.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award organization expressed its deep sadness. "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a young person has drowned while on a DofE expedition in Powys, Wales," a spokesperson said. "Our thoughts are with the young person's family together with all those who were taking part." The DofE committed to providing full support and is working with the college and authorities to understand how the incident occurred.
Leyton Sixth Form College, where Dumbuya was a student, has initiated a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses. A statement from the college described the loss as "profoundly sad," remembering Dumbuya for his kindness, warmth, and the positive impact he had on those around him, leaving an "immeasurable void."
