Grief as teen drowns in popular lake
A West Midlands community has been left heartbroken after the tragic death of 16-year-old Daniel Drewitt, whose body was recovered from Powell’s Pool in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, last Thursday evening.
Emergency services were called to the 2,400-acre national nature reserve shortly after 6pm following reports that a boy had gone missing in the water. Despite desperate rescue attempts by emergency crews – and even fishermen who entered the lake to help – Daniel was pronounced dead later that night.
Tributes to a life lost too soon
Daniel’s family, devastated by the loss, described him as “handsome, funny and talented”, a young man full of dreams who “had his whole life ahead of him”.
In a statement, they added: “Everyone wanted to be his friend and he was popular because of the beautiful spirit he had.”
The family also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community, which they said had brought them comfort during this harrowing time.
Photographs released by his loved ones show a bright, smiling teenager – especially one from his school prom night, a recent memory that now carries immense sorrow.
A shrine of flowers and tributes has been placed beside the water’s edge, where people from across Birmingham have come to pay their respects.
School remembers ‘light and character’
Daniel attended Colmers School and Sixth Form College in Rednal, where staff remembered him as a student who “brought light and character to our entire school community”.
A school spokesperson described him as “confident, full of life, a talented sportsman and so deeply loved”.
Support is now being provided to students and staff affected by the tragedy, including counselling and spaces for quiet reflection.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Daniel’s family,” the school added.
“His warm presence and positive spirit will be sorely missed.”
Warnings ignored despite past tragedies
The lake where Daniel drowned – Powell’s Pool – is the largest in the park and has clear signage warning against swimming. However, locals have said the warnings are often ignored.
One regular visitor, Raymond Stewart, told the BBC: “When I’m fishing here you see people swimming here all the time. Last Wednesday there must have been 15 in the water.”
This incident echoes a similar tragedy in 2001, when another teenage boy, Fraser Amiss, lost his life after diving into the same lake.
Despite that, public awareness of the risks seems to have faded, and with 18 accidental drowning deaths in the region already recorded in 2024, safety advocates are urging for greater vigilance.
Community responds with heartbreak and action
Sutton Park parkrun organisers cancelled their weekend event in respect for Daniel, and Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton called the event “a terrible tragedy”.
He said the council was working closely with police and emergency services to understand what happened.
The Midlands Air Ambulance, which attended the scene, has used the incident to highlight water safety.
Critical care paramedic Liam Webb urged people to learn how to float if caught in difficulty and advised bystanders to avoid entering the water, instead throwing something buoyant to help.
A painful reminder
As tributes continue to pour in, his family said they will remember Daniel for his “cheeky smile” and the joy he brought to those around him.
“He has been taken from us way too soon,” they said.
“We still can’t process what is happening right now.”.
The community now mourns a young life lost and hopes that Daniel’s story prompts deeper reflection on the dangers that open water can present, especially to the young and adventurous.
