The family of Evan d'Andilly, a 19-year-old University of York student who tragically drowned in the River Ouse in March 2025, is campaigning for a comprehensive review of emergency response protocols for incidents in the waterway. His mother, Lorraine d'Andilly, has spoken of her 'excruciating pain' and inability to stop replaying her son's final moments.
An inquest at North Yorkshire Coroner's Court concluded that Evan 'could not be saved' after he entered the river from a bridge following a night out with friends. The hearing revealed that Evan was heard calling for help at least 17 times over a 20-minute period before he disappeared from view. Police officers present on the riverbank were unable to reach him as he struggled to stay afloat.
A critical point highlighted during the inquest was the deployment of rescue services. A fire service rescue vessel, dispatched from Selby, was notified at 03:07 but did not arrive until 03:37. In the interim, the volunteer-run York Rescue Boat was the first to arrive, having been made aware of the incident between 03:08 and 03:11, just minutes after Evan entered the water at 03:03. He was no longer visible after 03:23.
Lorraine d'Andilly expressed her deep concern regarding the reliance on charity volunteers to 'fill the gap' in water search and rescue provision by the emergency services. She articulated a feeling of 'no accountability' when incidents go awry, leading her family, from Scunthorpe, to now seek a Prevention of Future Deaths report to address these systemic issues.
The senior coroner, Jonathan Leach, recorded a narrative conclusion. Mrs d'Andilly described the 'totally devastating impact' Evan's death has had, stating, 'For each and every one of us, he was a central part of our world and was enormously loved.' She added that the thought of how 'terrified' Evan must have been in his last moments makes 'life almost unbearable'.