Boy who died after entering lake in Lewisham in southeast London named as Izaiah Smith
6 April 2025, 17:02 | Updated: 7 April 2025, 00:56
A 15-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty in a lake in southeast London has been named as Izaiah Smith.
The Met Police says his family has been informed and is being supported.
Officers and paramedics were called to Beckenham Place Park in Lewisham shortly after 3pm on Friday.
Specialist diving teams, ambulance crews and firefighters also attended and Izaiah was recovered from the park's lake at about 10.42pm.
"He was taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead," a Scotland Yard spokesperson said.
"His death is being treated as unexpected but [is] not believed to be suspicious."
In a tribute on X Izaiah's football team, Dorking Wanderers FC, said he was "hugely popular" and "talented".
"We are absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of one of our young footballers - Izaiah Smith. It is of course impossible to find the words to explain what a tragedy this is," the post said.
"Izaiah was a hugely popular and talented young man and will be sorely missed by all that knew him. The club will provide support for all involved in whatever way we possibly can.
"In the meantime all of our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates at this incredibly difficult time."
Lewisham Council, which manages the park, said the outdoor space had reopened on Saturday.
The lake will remain closed with security in place until further notice.
"We are working closely with the police in order that their investigation establishes the full facts of what's happened," the council said.
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Beckenham Place Park, which borders the London borough of Bromley, covers around 240 acres, according to the park's website.
The lake is described as 285 metres long, reaching depths of up to 3.5 metres.
It is designed as a swimming lake for open-water swimming and paddle boarding.
(c) Sky News 2025: Boy who died after entering lake in Lewisham in southeast London named as Izaiah Smith
