10 February 2023 , 15:54
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A “cheeky and funny” schoolboy was killed when he was swept out to sea and became trapped in a whirlpool, an inquest was told.
Zak Thompson, 11, had been playing with his elder brother and their 11-year-old cousin on July 1 last year when they got into difficulties in West Angle Bay, Wales.
His two family members managed to climb to safety on nearby rocks but Zak went under the water.
A member of the public managed to get him to the shoreline where emergency services were waiting and he was rushed by air ambulance to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
An inquest at Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire Coroner's Court heard he died the next day.
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The popular schoolboy was airlifted to hospital where he died (WALES NEWS SERVICE)Proceedings were told Zak died from a lack of oxygen to the brain and drowning in the waters.
In a tribute read to the court, Carli Newell said: "Zac was a complete one of a kind.
“He was funny, cheeky, kind, caring, courageous and a big ball of fun with mischief running through his bones.”
In the wake of the tragedy his family set up Forever 11, which focuses on water safety.
Last year a Just Giving page was set up to help support the family, which raised more than £24,000.
Zak had been a pupil at Pembroke Dock Community School who submitted their own tribute in the wake of his death.
A water safety charity was set up in Zak's memory (WALES NEWS SERVICE)They said at the time: “One sweet memory of him was when he was in Year 3, and it was Superhero Day. Zac came to school dressed as his favourite superhero - his Mum.
“Zac said ‘Not all superheroes wear capes’.
“He excelled academically, in particular in maths, and loved to solve complex mental maths challenges (keeping staff on their toes).
"Zac was also a talented sportsman who played exceptionally well at cricket and helped the school get through to the area finals, which are due to be played this week.
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“He had a cheeky smile, was funny, and was looking forward to his final weeks in primary school, the summer holidays and all the opportunities that were open to him as he moved on to secondary school,” continued the statement from Pembroke Dock Community School.
The statement concludes: "This is a dreadfully sad time for his family, and our love thoughts and prayers are with both his family and his wide circle of friends, who will miss his big character and mischievous nature.
“Zac was a lovely young man, a valued pupil and will be greatly missed.”