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15th Aug 2022

14-year-old boy drowns at hotel in Turkey after family wedding

Kat O'Connor

A teenage boy has tragically died after getting into difficulty in a hotel swimming pool in Turkey.

According to reports, the 14-year-old was visiting Turkey from the UK for a family wedding.

On Sunday afternoon, the teenager and his aunt were swimming in one of the hotel Liberty Lara’s pools.

The boy got into difficulty in the water and staff fled to help him.

He was pulled unconscious from the pool by a barman. He was then given CPR and rushed to a nearby hospital.

Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The boy and his family organised the holiday through Tui. They issued a statement following the teenager’s tragic death.

“We are aware of the tragic incident at the Liberty Lara in Turkey and our thoughts are with the family. Our team in the resort is currently supporting the family and we will continue to assist in whatever way we can.”

“The safety and wellbeing of our customers is our primary concern.”

“Our dedicated resort team is supporting the authorities and hotel with their investigations.”

One witness told The Mirror that the lifeguard was on his lunch break when the incident happened.

However, the hotel has stressed that this claim is “categorically untrue”.

The hotel’s spokesperson told The Sun that staff are devastated following the boy’s untimely death.

“It is with a heavy heart that one of our young guests sadly passed away yesterday while swimming with his aunt in our main pool.

“At this moment in time, our prayers and thoughts go out to the family and loved ones who are currently residing in our hotel.

“The sad, tragic loss of young life is both devastating and shattering for the family, close relatives, and loved ones.”

We’re keeping the boy’s parents in our thoughts during this time.