A YOUNG footballer drowned in front of his horrified pals after diving into a river from a bridge in the sunshine.

Thomas ‘Tomi’ Solomon, 13, had been with his friends at a bridge near to the River Calder, West Yorkshire, during the heatwave in June last year.

An inquest heard that the Bradford City Academy footballer had begun to struggle immediately after jumping into the water.

One of his friends told the hearing that he saw Tomi jump into the water and was “waving his arms around.”

He said: "As soon as Tomi was in the water I remember seeing him struggling and panicking. He was waving his arms around. Another student shouted that Tomi couldn't swim."

The inquest heard that some other friends tried to pull him up and help him out of the water but couldn’t lift him.

Another pal said: "I heard girls shouting that he was struggling. I could see ripples in the water and I managed to grab hold of him by one of his arms."

But the teenager then started choking himself and was forced to let go of his friend.

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Emergency services arrived at the scene but only recovered Tomi’s body an hour and a half later.

Mbamu Solomon told the inquest at Bradford Coroners court that his son could swim, and had taken swimming lessons up to level too.

He added: "He was not an expert but he could swim."

Senior coroner Martin Fleming speculated that perhaps the shock of jumping into the cold water may have caused him to struggle in the water.

The hearing was told there was no signage warning people not to jump from the bridge and Tomi's mum Frida Ndabue said more needed to be done to protect them.

Mr Fleming confirmed that he would be writing a letter to Calderdale Council, who own the bridge, as well as the charity Canal.

He also said he would be contacting River Trust, which maintains England and Wale’s waterways, flagging up the issue.

'DEEPLY MISSED'

He concluded that Tomi had died by misadventure, adding: "was a much-loved son and brother whose unexpected death has devastated the family. He always managed to put a smile on people's faces."

Bradford City Academy manager Neil Matthews paid tribute to the tragic teen, saying: “We are devastated to hear of this news about Tomi, and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

“Tomi was very popular and well thought of, by all the staff who had the pleasure of working with him. He will be deeply missed by all involved with Bradford City.”

Dozens of flowers and cards were also left on the railings overlooking the River Calder at the time by pals and locals who were shocked by the tragedy.

One message read: "To Tomi. We only spoke once a day but you was the nicest lad I had ever met, you brought spirit into a silent room.

“You don’t understand how much you meant to everyone. Heaven is lucky to have you. Gone too early but never forgotten.

“Love you Tomi rest easy.”

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