THE CORONER has returned a verdict of accidental dealth, following the inquest the tragic passing of an 11-year-old boy at West Angle Bay in July last year.

At County Hall, Haverfordwest, the Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire Coroner, Mark Layton, explained the circumstances of the tragedy.

Zac Thompson, who was a pupil at Pembroke Dock Community School, died in hospital on July 2.

The youngster had been playing with his elder brother and their 11-year-old cousin on Friday evening, July 1, but he tragically got into difficulties in the water.

Emergency responders were called to the beach and tried to resuscitate Zac. However Zac failed to regain consciousness.

The year six pupil was a “popular and much-loved character” with a “huge zest for life”, his school said.

In a statement released on their Facebook page on Saturday, they said: “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Zac Thompson, who was a popular and much-loved character in Year 6 at Pembroke Dock Community School.

He excelled academically, in particular in maths, who loved to solve complex mental maths challenges (keeping staff on their toes).

The statement continued: “He was also a talented sportsman. Zac recently played exceptionally well in cricket, helping the school get through to the area finals, which are due to be played this week. He had a cheeky smile, was funny and was looking forward to his final weeks in primary school, the summer holidays and all the opportunities that were open to him as he moved on to secondary school. Zac had a huge zest for life! One sweet memory of him was when he was in Year 3, and it was Superhero Day. Zac came to school dressed as his favourite superhero – his Mum. Zac said: ‘Not all superheroes wear capes’.

“This is a dreadfully sad time for his family, and our love, thoughts and prayers are with both his family and his wide circle of friends, who will miss his big character and mischievous nature. There will be many staff on hand to support the learners on Monday and beyond this week.

“We are heartbroken, Zac was a lovely young man, a valued pupil and will be greatly missed.”

Zac’s mum Carli Newell’s statement was read out to the Coroners’ court. It reads as follows: “Without a doubt zac was a complete one of a kind. He was one of those special people that if your truly lucky you will get to experience them in your life.

“Zac was funny, cheeky, kind, caring, courageous and a big ball of fun with mischief running through his bones.

“His sparkly bright blue eyes, his big cheeky smile and his infectious spirit made everyone instantly fall in love with him.

“He had a zest for life like ive never known before.

“He lit up every room, if he walked into a place with 100 strangers, he would come out with 100 new friends, people just gravitated to him.

“Some people go their whole lives without touching as many hearts as Zac did.

“He loved his sports, family, friends and his food. He was a very naturally talented athlete.

“He found great pleasure in the most simple of things, everyday was an adventure for him.

“He was a fierce protector, with the courage of a lion, he hated injustice, he would step in and stand up for anyone who needed it, family, friends or even strangers, even if it got him into trouble.

“To know I will never see his face, hear his voice, watch him laugh or tell him how much I love him again is a nightmare I will never be able to wake from.

“Zac will forever live on in our hearts and the hearts of the entire community who have offered us their unwavering support.

“Through the Forever 11 charity that has been set up his honor by his Rugby family, he has left a legacy that will last a lifetime and go some way towards safeguarding our coastal areas.

“But also through the greatest gift of all. his selfless gift of hope and life to the 3 week old baby girl who was luckily enough to receive a piece of his beautiful heart. There is no greater gift than the gift of life and for that he will always be a hero.

“It was a privilege to watch him grow into such an incredible little boy,

“A privilege to know him and share his whole life with him,

“And a privilege to love him and be loved by him.

“I am honoured that I was blessed worthy enough to be his mum.”