😢🌡️ HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY — TEEN DIES IN UK DAM AMID HEATWAVE Reco Puttock, 13, was pulled from Leadbeater Dam in Halifax after getting into difficulty in the water. Despite the heroic efforts of emergency crews, he was tragically declared dead. His mother, Sam, shared her grief, recalling how close Reco was to his siblings, especially his big sister, and how much he loved being with his friends. Since the morning, she says she has “just cried and cried,” capturing the heartbreak felt by all who knew him. 📌 Full story and family tribute in comments 👇

A 13 year old boy who died in water at a UK beauty spot has been pictured as four other teenagers die in heatwave tragedies.

Reco Puttock was rushed to hospital after being pulled from Leadbeater Dam in Halifax, West Yorkshire, yesterday afternoon

Emergency crews were called to the popular dam at around 3.18pm.

West Yorkshire Fire, Police and Ambulance teams led the search for the teen, who was later pulled from the water.

He was rushed to hospital and, despite the best efforts of medics, was tragically declared dead.

Reco’s mum Sam Puttock today paid a heartfelt tribute to her lad.

She said he was close to his three siblings, “especially with his big sister”.

She told the Telegraph and Argus: “He loved being out with his friends. That’s what he enjoyed most.

“I don’t know what to feel, I think I’ve just cried and cried since about 7am this morning… I don’t think I can bring myself to any more at the minute.”

On social media, tributes poured in for Reco with relatives saying “rest easy”.

“RIP Reco, forever 13”, other tributes read

One posted: “Absolutely heartbreaking, thinking of you. Words can’t even describe. Rest in paradise Reco.”

Local Natalie Smith, 36, said: “The first thing I knew something was wrong was when I heard the sirens.

“Then the police helicopter, the fire engines, and the ambulances appeared.

“Then a few hours later I could see the ambulance crew walking along the bank carrying a stretcher.

“When it is a hot day people come here to walk, swim and picnic. It was very busy yesterday with people coming to paddle or swim.

“Still, you never expect something like this to happen. It is tragic.”

The scorching Bank Holiday saw Brits flock to the sea and rivers amid record-breaking temperatures.

But tragically Reco is one of five teenagers who have died in separate water-related incidents over the heatwave.

The body of Declan Sawyer, 15, was found by police on May 24 after they conducted an extensive search of Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln.

Declan’s father, Carl, said his “darling boy” loved to spend his time playing football and going fishing.

He has urged parents and children to be aware of the risks when swimming in any rivers or lakes during hot weather.

Carl said: “Our darling boy Declan was a funny and outgoing young man who loved his fishing and his football.

“He had a very cheeky smile and the personality to match. He was very much loved by his friends and family, and will be missed dearly by many.

“With his tragic and unexpected passing on Sunday 24th May at Swanholme Lakes, we would like to raise awareness about children playing near any rivers or lakes in the hot weather.

“Please can all parents, friends and family make their children aware of the dangers surrounding water.”

After hours of searching and with the help of a special dive team, the force found his body in the former quarry.

Abbie Carmody-Pepper, 15, vanished at Burrow Beach in Howth, Dublin, with friends after entering the water.

Her body was recovered from the water on Sunday evening following a search operation involving the Irish Cost Guard, gardai and RNLI from Howth.

Family friend Aoife has organised a GoFundMe page to raise funds to support the 15-year-old’s family with funeral costs.

Emergency services also raced to Kingsbury Water Park, Warwickshire, just after 6pm yesterday following concerns for the welfare of a girl in the water.

Sadly, the 16-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene after her body was recovered at around 7.20pm, according to Warwickshire Police.

The force has launched an investigation into the circumstances and people have been urged not to speculate about what happened.

The cops said in a statement on Facebook: “Over the coming days, we’ll have officers in the area providing reassurance. So if you have any questions, please speak to them.”

A 13-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being pulled from Leadbeater Dam in Halifax, West Yorkshire, yesterday afternoon.

Emergency crews were scrambled to the popular dam at around 3.18pm.

West Yorkshire Fire, Police and Ambulance teams led the search for the youngster, who was later pulled from the water.

He was taken to hospital and, despite the best efforts of medics, was tragically declared dead.

The force said: “At 3.18pm, police were called to Leadbeater Dam on Lumb Lamb, Halifax to reports a teenage boy was in difficulty in the water.

“The body of a 13-year-old boy was pulled from the water. He was taken to hospital and was sadly pronounced dead.

“Enquiries are ongoing by Calderdale CID, however there aren’t believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

Hundreds typically flock to Leadbeater Dam, which makes for a popular swimming spot in hot weather.

In another tragedy, emergency services rushed to Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, at around 7pm yesterday, following reports of a missing boy.

Tragically, his body was later discovered.

Large crowds are said to have headed to the park during the hot weather over the Bank Holiday.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called to Rother Valley Country Park at 6.50pm yesterday following reports that a teenage boy had entered the water but had not been seen getting out.
“Officers, alongside emergency crews from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, responded and a specialist search operation was launched.

“Sadly, in the early hours of this morning, a body was recovered from the water.

“Whilst formal identification is yet to take place, the boy’s family has been informed and is being supported by officers.”

Lancashire Police also rushed to a river in Ribchester following reports of a child in difficulty at around 2pm today.

Emergency services are searching the water after he went into the river while “swimming with friends”.

A man in his 60s has also tragically died after trying to save two family members struggling in the sea.

Tuesday 26 May 2026