Mayor ‘heartbroken’ after body found in search for missing boy Mackenzie Swift
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has said he is “heartbroken” after a body was found during the search for missing boy Mackenzie Swift.
Mackenzie Swift, 11, entered the River Don, near Mexborough, on Saturday (May 30) evening, and the alarm was raised when he was not seen to emerge.
Police were called to Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, at around 8pm on Saturday and emergency crews from the National Police Air Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended.
An underwater search team and Woodhead Mountain Rescue aided the search.
On Monday (Jun 1), the search came to an end shortly before 11pm when a body was found.
Although formal identification is yet to take place, police said Mackenzie’s family was informed and had the offer of specialist support.
Since the news South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard issues a statement sending his condolences to Mackenzie’s family and thanking the teams who responded.
He said: “I’m heartbroken by the news about Mackenzie Swift. It’s surely every family’s worst nightmare, to have their child go out to play and never come home.
“My condolences, thoughts and love go out to Mackenzie’s family and friends at this awful time.
“And my thanks go to South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, underwater search teams, Mountain Rescue and everyone who responded.
“To everyone across South Yorkshire, over the coming summer months please, please do consider your own safety and that of your friends, whenever you are near the water. Even the most seemingly peaceful stream, river or lake can be deadly.”