Bradford school's tribute to Abuzr Mirza who died on trip

The body of Abuzr Mirza, was recovered from Lake Windermere, in the Lake District, last Wednesday.

In a heart-wrenching post on Facebook, Abuzr’s father, Osman Beg, from Burnley, said his son had died just a few days after his 16th birthday.

He said Abuzr had been on a trip to the Lake District with school when the tragedy, which police and the Health and Safety Executive are now investigating, unfolded.

The teenager attended Darul Uloom Dawatul Imaan, an Islamic boarding school for boys off Wakefield Road.

A spokesperson for the school told the Telegraph & Argus: “This tragic event has had a profound effect on our whole school community.

“Everyone at the school is heartbroken.

“Abuzr was a lovely pupil who touched the lives of many with his warmth and kindness. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Abuzr’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

“Our pupils and staff have come together in special assemblies and events to remember Abuzr and support one another.”

The spokesperson added: “We are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigations by the police and the Health and Safety Executive to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Lake Windermere. Picture: PA (Image: PA)

“The safety and well-being of our students is our utmost priority.”

The teen’s body was recovered from the lake at around 11.45pm on July 24, after searches began at 5pm.

Mr Beg said in his post: “He was and still is a perfect son I wish everyone is blessed with a son like my son. Just perfect in every way.”

Mr Beg also said his son, who he described as a “diamond” had drowned while helping two other people who were in difficulty in the water, though this report is unconfirmed.

Mr Beg added: “Keep your children close and always support them in what they want to do.”

A JustGiving page was set up to raise money to build a water well in Uganda in Abuzr’s memory, which has raised almost £1,500 of its £2,000 target.

The page said Abuzr had died while performing a cleansing ritual in the lake, though again this is unconfirmed.

Money raised will pay for a water well to provide hundreds of people with clean drinking water in Uganda for at least a decade.

Burnley MP, Oliver Ryan, said to Mr Beg: “I'm so very sorry for your loss.

“He sounds like an outstanding and brave young man. Sending you and your family my best wishes at this difficult time for you, I'll be sure to say a prayer for him. If there's anything you need, do let me know.”

Abuzr’s funeral took place at the Masjid Farooq E Azam in Burnley and was buried at Burnley Cemetery.

A spokesperson for the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “On the evening of Wednesday, July 24, a boy who had been at our visitor centre, Brockhole on Windermere, entered the lake and tragically lost his life.

“We are shocked and saddened by this news and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

The Furness Coastguard, which assisted in the search, said: “With the weather getting warmer we would like to advise everyone to be aware of their surroundings and the depth of water they are in and to be vigilant over other people around them.

“Just because the air temperature is warm it doesn’t mean the water is too, take time to become accustomed to the water temperature to help prevent cold water shock.”