Coroner Elizabeth Wheeler has issued a stark rebuke of "selfish" motorists after illegally parked vehicles obstructed emergency responders from reaching Formby Beach in Merseyside, where 15-year-old Chiedza Nyanjowa tragically lost her life. Although the inquest revealed that these traffic delays did not directly cause Chiedza’s death, the coroner expressed serious concern regarding the safety implications of such parking practices.

Chiedza, a non-swimmer from Cheshire, drowned on May 25 after venturing into deep water while retrieving a volleyball. She was playing at the water’s edge with her 11-year-old cousin during a family trip to Bolton, Greater Manchester, for the half-term holiday. The beach was crowded due to the hot weather on Bank Holiday Monday, making it difficult for Chiedza’s aunt to keep track of the children.

According to Coroner’s Officer Emma Donaldson, the pair had been explicitly warned against entering water deeper than shin height. As the tide receded, they followed the shoreline, but the aunt lost sight of them due to the crowd and distance. When the ball drifted into the sea, both children entered the water to retrieve it. Donaldson noted that the depth increased rapidly, reaching the cousin’s neck and Chiedza’s chin. In an attempt to stay afloat, Chiedza tried to climb onto her cousin’s shoulders, which led to her being submerged. Her cousin instructed Chiedza to hold the ball for flotation and swam back to safety.

It took 15 minutes for help to arrive. By the time members of the public rescued Chiedza, she was unconscious. Two off-duty nurses and a doctor immediately began CPR on the beach before she was airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where she died from her injuries four days later.

In recording a conclusion of death by misadventure, Wheeler praised the bystanders who attempted to save Chiedza but criticized drivers who blocked the narrow access roads. "I record my condemnation of selfish drivers who park illegally simply for the sake of having to avoid walking a short distance," Wheeler stated.

Despite these concerns, the coroner did not issue a Prevention of Future Deaths report, a legal measure used to alert authorities to potential risks. Wheeler explained that because Sefton Council had already implemented yellow lines on the road leading to the beach, she was uncertain which organization or individual she should target with such a report.

Wheeler extended her deepest sympathies to Chiedza’s family, who were absent from the proceedings at Bootle Town Hall. "Her death is an utter tragedy and I am deeply sorry for her family, her friends and all those who knew her," she said. "I am so, so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you are going through."

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 15:07:33 UTC