‘Brave’ Newcastle boy died trying to save friend in River Tyne

A coroner has praised the bravery of a teenager who died after trying to save his friend who fell into deep river water while swinging from a rope.

Aras Rudzianskas, 13, and David Radut, 14, both from Newcastle, died after getting into trouble in the River Tyne at Ovingham, Northumberland, in May 2024.

At an inquest, assistant coroner Paul Dunn said if he had been able to record a conclusion of “bravery” in the case of Rudzianskas he would have done so “without hesitation” saying he went in the water “without a thought” for his own safety.

He also questioned why it had taken almost two years for safety signs and equipment to be erected in the area after a teenager died there in 2022.

Emergency crews were called to the river on 18 May 2024. Radut was pronounced dead at the scene and Rudzianskas died in hospital three days later.

On the second day of an inquest at County Hall in Morpeth, Dunn recorded a narrative verdict in the case of Rudzianskas.

Dunn said it was one of the bravest acts he had seen recorded “in 20 years as a coroner”, adding he “gave the ultimate sacrifice selflessly” while attempting to save his friend.

In Radut’s case he recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

Dunn said he had “got into difficulties” after he fell into deep water while swinging from a rope.

He told the inquest this “marks his death as an accident”, adding he “suspected both boys were beyond saving within seconds of entering the river”.