Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Umar Dumbuya, an 18-year-old from London, who tragically died after encountering difficulties in the River Wye while on a Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) expedition. The incident occurred on 30 June 2026, near Glasbury in Powys, where Umar had been hiking as part of his DofE programme.
Emergency services were called to a popular bathing spot on the River Wye following reports that a male had entered the water and could not be located. A comprehensive search operation was launched, involving Dyfed-Powys Police, mountain rescue volunteers, firefighters, and the National Police Air Service. Sadly, Umar's body was later recovered. His friends, who were present at the scene, received support from police officers at a nearby scout hut.
Umar's family released a statement expressing their profound grief, describing themselves as "heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother, and grandson." They fondly remembered Umar for his "kindness, warmth and sense of humour," and his love for basketball, the gym, and spending time with loved ones. They emphasised the "devastating hole" his death has left in their family and requested privacy during this difficult time.
Leyton Sixth Form College, where Umar was a student, also paid tribute to a "valued member of our college." In a statement, the college described his death as a "tragic accident" and affirmed its cooperation with authorities investigating the circumstances. They are also providing support to staff and students affected by the incident. An online fundraising page has been established to assist Umar's family with funeral costs.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award organisation has confirmed it is "liaising closely with the young person's college and relevant authorities to understand how this tragic incident happened." This collaborative effort aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and ensure any necessary lessons are learned. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with outdoor activities, even within organised programmes.