Dorking Wanderers, an English football club based in Surrey, has announced the tragic death of their young player, Izaiah Smith, who drowned in a lake after going for a swim. The 15-year-old had been enjoying the beginning of his Easter holidays when the tragic incident occurred.
According to reports, Izaiah Smith went missing on Friday afternoon while swimming at Beckenham Place Park, located in southeast London. Emergency crews were quickly dispatched to the area, and a search began shortly after 3 p.m. The search continued for several hours before Izaiah’s body was found in the water at 10:42 p.m. Despite efforts to revive him, the teenager was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The circumstances surrounding Izaiah’s death are still unclear, but there are concerns that he may have experienced cold water shock while swimming, which could have contributed to the tragic incident. Cold water shock can cause a person to lose control of their breathing and make it difficult to swim or stay afloat, leading to drowning.
Dorking Wanderers expressed their devastation over the loss of Izaiah in an official statement, saying they were “absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of one of our young footballers.” The club praised Izaiah as a “hugely popular and talented young man” who would be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. In their statement, the club emphasized their commitment to supporting Izaiah’s family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.
Izaiah was well-liked among his teammates and was recognized for his promising potential on the pitch. His untimely death has left a deep impact on the Dorking Wanderers community, with the club stating that they would offer support in any way possible to those affected by the tragedy. As a young player on the rise, Izaiah had a bright future ahead of him, and his passing is a heartbreaking loss not only for his family but also for the wider football community.
The club also extended their thoughts to Izaiah’s family and friends, acknowledging the pain they must be feeling. “It is of course impossible to find the words to explain what a tragedy this is,” the club’s statement read. In addition to supporting Izaiah’s loved ones, the club is ensuring that players and staff have access to necessary support services during this difficult time.
Dorking Wanderers is currently competing in the National League South, the sixth tier of English football. Based in Surrey, the club has had a successful season so far, sitting in third place with 78 points, just two points behind the league leaders with only two matches remaining. While the club is focused on their remaining fixtures, the loss of Izaiah has overshadowed any sporting achievements at this time.
As the football community comes to terms with this tragedy, the outpouring of support for Izaiah’s family and teammates serves as a reminder of the close-knit nature of sports communities, where every loss is deeply felt.
