Tributes to teen drowned in Isis

By Abbas Panjwani

By Jonathan Tomlin

Tributes have poured in for a teenager who drowned in the River Thames at Oxford last Friday night.

Hussain Mohammed, who lived in Cowley, was the youngest of nine siblings. He died after jumping into the river from Donnington Bridge in south Oxford, reportedly to cool off.

A vigil was held on Tuesday for the 15-year old at the spot where he died. 

A Facebook group, “R.I.P. Hussain Mohammed”, has been created and received almost 400 ‘likes’.

A video uploaded on the site includes comments from his cousin, Siama Begum, who said: “He didn’t like swimming, he didn’t like going near water. We just don’t understand.”

She added: “He was full of fun, jokes and looking forward to starting college.”

Comments from friends included Tay George Raven who said: “When I heard what happened to you, I couldn’t help but cry. It’s such a sad feeling when you find out someone so special like you has died.

“Everyone says life is too short and I’ve only just realised just how short life is. They always say the good die young, which means you’re one of them.”

Sulma Ali said: “I love that you would know how to make me laugh no matter what. You had the kindest heart and I’m never going to forget you.”

Many have also left posts on The Oxford Student website after the news was revealed on Friday night.

One friend said: “It’s a message that you never know when your life is coming to an end. R.I.P. Hussain.”

On Saturday morning, flowers and tributes were left at Donnington Bridge by friends of the boy.

One read: “RIP Hussain. Sleep tight, gone but never forgotten. Always in our hearts.”

Another message said: “The good ones are always taken. I’m going to miss you. Keep smiling and sleep tight.”

Emergency services were called at about 8.30pm on Friday night, and a body was found about two hours later. Hussain was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital, but later pronounced dead.

Witnesses said that several young people were jumping into the river.

Several members of the public also jumped in to try to rescue Hussain, who called for help, but were unable to find him.

A police spokesman said: “Thames Valley Police were called to an incident at the river at Weirs Lane, Oxford at around 8.30pm. It was reported a teenage boy had jumped into the River Thames but had not resurfaced. Following an extensive search by emergency crews he was recovered at about 10.20pm and taken to JR2 Hospital where he was pronounced dead.”

Detective Inspector Rob France, who is leading the case, said: “The incident is not being treated as suspicious, however it is essential that we understand as fully as possible the events leading up to the tragic death of this young man.”

France warned others against jumping into the river during hot weather.