A YOUNG BOY in his final weeks at primary school, tragically lost his life after an incident at Angle Beach on Friday (Jul 1).
Zac Thompson, 11, was swept into the sea along with his elder brother and a friend.
The other two lads managed to swim to safety, but Zac got into difficulty.
Following rescue attempts by brave members of the public, Zac was carried to land but was unconscious.
Emergency services stabilised him, and he was flown to hospital.
Despite the best efforts of the medical team at Heath Hospital in Cardiff, he sadly passed away on Saturday.
Pembroke Dock Community School said on Facebook: “With the permission of the family, 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).
“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!”
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said “We were called on Friday 01 July at 9:17pm to reports of an incident in Angle Bay, Pembrokeshire. We sent one emergency ambulance and a duty operations manager to the scene.”
Dyfed Powys Police confirmed the following: “We were called to West Angle Bay, Angle, Pembrokeshire, at 9.25pm on Friday, July 1, following reports a child had been rescued from the water after experiencing difficulties.
“The child, 11-year-old Zac Thompson from the Pembroke Dock area, was airlifted to hospital where he sadly passed away.”
The Fire Service were not called to the incident.
A fundraiser has been set up to support Zac’s family:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/katie-jones-917
