A heroic university student tragically drowned after rescuing three women struggling in the sea during a wild swimming trip in Cornwall.
Jack Edward Lees, a 20-year-old neuroscience student from Crediton, Devon, lost his life on June 4, 2024, just days before his 21st birthday. He had travelled with the Bristol University Students’ Union Wild Swimming Society for a four-day summer trip, which turned into tragedy during an evening swim near Northcott Mouth beach.
According to the inquest, Jack courageously entered the water to help three girls who were caught in strong currents. Although he managed to assist them to safety, Jack was overwhelmed by a powerful wave and tragically never resurfaced.
The incident occurred after 6pm, outside of the lifeguarded hours on Cornwall’s beaches, which typically run from 10am to 6pm during peak season.
Emergency services, including RNLI volunteers and a coastguard helicopter, conducted an extensive search through the night and into the following morning. Sadly, Jack’s body was discovered two weeks later on Upton Beach by a beachcomber on June 18.
Jack’s mother, Dr Dawn Lees, described her son as an “amazing young man” with dreams of becoming a brain surgeon. She shared that he had chosen his career path after being inspired by a TED Talk and had been thriving at university with a supportive group of friends.
In her emotional tribute, she revealed that Jack had sent her sunset pictures on the night he disappeared, adding, “When I said goodbye to him, I had no reason to think that he would never come back.”
Dr Lees expressed frustration over the lack of safety measures, stating that the beach had signage warning against swimming due to strong currents, but no lifeguards were present. She emphasized that proper risk assessments, training, and safety equipment could have prevented her son’s death.
The inquest heard that approximately 20 students were on the beach that evening, with about 10 in the water. The students had varying levels of swimming ability, raising concerns about the planning and supervision of the swim.
Detective Sergeant Tom McIntyre confirmed there was no evidence of foul play or substance use, and praised Jack’s actions as “nothing short of heroic.” He stated, “Jack entered the water to save others in distress and tragically lost his life in the process.”
Assistant Coroner Emma Hillson recorded a verdict of death by misadventure, acknowledging Jack’s bravery. She noted, “He placed his own safety at risk to help others, which led to this tragic outcome.”
Jack’s legacy lives on through the lives he saved. His death prompted a wave of support, including a memorial attended by over 100 students and a fundraiser by his former primary school, which raised more than £11,300 for the RNLI.
A plaque at Bristol University now bears fingerprints and kisses from friends and classmates who continue to mourn the loss of a true hero.
Dr Lees concluded, “Jack was a gentleman in life and in death. This was a preventable tragedy. He should be remembered for the lives he saved—and for the amazing person he was.”