Teenager drowned in front of his siblings at popular River Lees beauty spot that last year claimed the life of a teacher
Inquest finds Curtis Atherton, 16, went for an evening swim with family when tragedy struck
A TEEN tragically drowned in front of his brothers when strong currents at a popular beauty spot pulled him underwater.
Curtis Atherton, 16, went with siblings Daniel and Jamie to High Force waterfall in Upper Teesdale, Co Durham, on the evening of June 14 for a swim.
An inquest into his death found the Hartlepool lad got into trouble in the water at around 7pm.
His brothers noticed him flailing and splashing, and Daniel tried to grab him before throwing a buoy.
But Curtis soon disappeared into the water and Jamie called the emergency services, Detective Inspector Andy Crowe told the hearing.
However, his mobile phone wouldn't work -- and it was only after a nearby walker heard the boys that the alarm could be raised.
Curtis was pulled from the water at about 9.45pm and was then airlifted to James Cook University
Hospital in Middlesbrough, but was pronounced dead at 11pm, the hearing at Crook Civic Centre, County Durham revealed.
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The waterfall is notorious for its deceptively serene appearance, with the the River Lees spot seeming shallow and calm.
But the depth and force near the waterfall means it is particularly dangerous, experts at the inquest revealed.
A firefighter said he could not touch the bottom with a 30ft pole and felt it being pulled around by currents.
Last year, Newcastle teacher Wadud Abdul drowned at the same spot spot during a family half-term trip.
Raby Estates, which owns and patrols the land where the waterfall is located, has said it is considering installing an emergency phone.
It has a gate to the river that is locked at night, danger signs and lifebuoys, DI Crowe said, insisting the company has taken "all reasonable steps practicable" to make the area safe.
Teenage boys in high spirits will get involved in that sort of thing, it is tragic when it ends in these circumstances
Assistant coroner Leslie Hamilton
Assistant coroner Leslie Hamilton said the "tragic" incident was down to teenage misadventure.
He said: "Teenage boys in high spirits will get involved in that sort of thing, it is tragic when it ends in these circumstances."
Curtis' mum Lisa Rogerson, said: "It was out of character for him -- people need educating."
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