Student's Tragic Death at West Wittering Beach

In a tragic turn of events, a 17-year-old student lost his life during an end-of-term trip to West Wittering in West Sussex. The teenager, part of a group from Uxbridge College in west London, encountered difficulties in the sea, prompting a call to emergency services around 1 pm on Tuesday. Despite efforts to save him, the student was airlifted to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The principal of Uxbridge College, Dylan McTaggart, described the incident as a "tragic accident" that has deeply impacted the college community. Expressing condolences, McTaggart emphasized the college's commitment to supporting those affected by the tragedy, including providing access to counselors and professional support. Sussex police are investigating the incident with the support of the Health and Safety Executive to determine the circumstances surrounding the student's death. DI Darren Taylor extended heartfelt sympathies to the boy's family and urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation. The Uxbridge college community is mourning the loss of the student and has requested privacy for the grieving family during this difficult time. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures during educational outings, prompting a review of protocols to prevent such heartbreaking accidents in the future. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to piece together the events leading to the student's untimely demise, seeking closure for his loved ones and the wider community affected by this devastating loss.