A teenager, identified as Ashamekh Bortata, a 17-year-old student originally from Libya but residing in Liverpool, was tragically discovered deceased in a lake close to Wrexham. The incident occurred on April 7 when emergency services were alerted by a friend of the teenager who reported that Ashamekh was in the lake near Chirk Castle and in distress. An inquest into the circumstances surrounding Ashamekh’s passing was initiated in Ruthin, North Wales, on the same day.
According to Coroner John Gittins, the emergency services responded to the call in the afternoon of April 7, indicating that the teenager was in danger of drowning. Upon arrival at the location, the police encountered a group of young individuals who had traveled from Liverpool and ventured through the castle grounds. It was reported that they came across woodland and the lake, where Ashamekh entered the water.
The North Wales Fire Service was also present at the scene and conducted a search operation. The search effort persisted into the following day, leading to the discovery of Ashamekh’s body by police divers.
The coroner disclosed that a preliminary cause of death provided by a pathologist was drowning. He further stated, “Clearly it’s a matter which must now proceed to an inquest.” The hearing was adjourned to allow for further investigation into the tragic incident.