A 'kind' and 'supportive' Oxford University student, whose nickname was 'Future Prime Minister' died after drowning at a local beauty spot, an inquest has heard.
Wesley Akum-Ojong, of Dewberry Street, Aylesbury, died on June 21 after celebrating the end of his exams with friends and jumping into the river near Port Meadow.
The 19-year-old went missing at first but was later pulled from the water and rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington.
An inquest was held into his death at Oxford Coroners' Court today (October 31).
Mr Akum-Ojong had been studying politics, philosophy and economics at Brasenose College.
READ MORE: Oxford University student's cause of death confirmed
The inquest heard that the 19-year-old was celebrating the end of his exams with his friends by taking part in the tradition of 'trashing' which includes throwing confetti and jumping in the river.
A post mortem was carried out by Professor Ian Roberts, a pathologist, who found the cause of death to be from drowning.
Mr Akum-Ojong's family disputed the cause of death, saying that he was found with blood in his lungs.
However, the coroner Nicholas Graham said there was not enough evidence to go against the pathologist's findings.
The coroner read out a statement provided by the family.
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It said: “Wesley was kind, caring and supportive. He was a committed Christian. We are a close family with a very close bond.
“He was a popular person due to his kind nature. He had made friends in Oxford during his studies. He was happy at Brasenose and had the nickname of 'Future Prime Minister'.
“He had ambitions of being the UK's youngest Prime Minister. He is dearly missed by the family.”
The inquest heard that a large number of people had gathered for the celebrations at Port Meadow and lots of people were jumping in the water.
The coroner read out statements from three students, who he didn't name, who said they couldn't see Mr Akum-Ojong after he jumped into the water and became worried.
Mr Graham read out a statement from Dr Simon Smith from the college.
It said the college encourages its students to celebrate sustainably.
The family asked if any other students had died in similar circumstances.
Jane Harris, co-director of student welfare and support, was at the inquest and told the family there were no records of any student jumping in the river and drowning when celebrating the end of their exams in the last 12 years.
The teenager, who was born in Cameroon and moved to Britain when he was four months old, was a hard-working student, his family said.
He had been the only student from his year at Watford Grammar School for Boys to go to Oxford.
Mr Akum-Ojong’s GP said he did not have a history of any long-term conditions.
The coroner gave a verdict of accidental death.
He told the family: “You gave a very moving account of him. There is nothing more I can say that will make any difference at this time.”
He offered the family his condolences.
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