A 12-year-old boy was playing in shallow water on a family day out when he went missing and was found drowned six hours later, an inquest heard.
Benjamin Diemond, described by family as “deeply loved”, was recovered from the River Lea near Hackney Marshes by police divers shortly after midnight on Sunday, August 16.
An inquest into his death was opened at East London Coroner’s Court on Wednesday (September 2).
Coroner’s officer Jean Smyth said Benjamin and family were visiting the area on Saturday, August 15.
“Benjamin was playing in shallow water. At 6pm he couldn’t be found and members of the public entered the water to try to find him,” Ms Smyth said.
Emergency services attended and Benjamin’s body was recovered by police divers just after midnight.
A post-mortem examination gave his cause of death as drowning.
A full inquest is set to take place in February 2027.
Benjamin’s family have been given interested persons status — a legal status entitling them to view evidence ahead of the final inquest and question any witnesses called to testify.
In a GoFundMe set up to help with Benjamin’s funeral and memorial costs, his mum Inga wrote: “There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a child, especially one so young, with so much life still ahead of him.
“Benjamin was deeply loved by his family and friends, and his sudden loss has left everyone who knew him facing an unimaginable heartbreak that no family should ever have to endure.”
You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
In other online tributes, Benjamin was described as the "sweetest soul" who was "taken too soon".
One person said online: "RIP Benji. He was so funny and so innocent, wrong person had to go."
Another tribute said "he was so innocent and nice".
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A friend said: "He was literally someone you could never be angry [with] and was never in drama. The sweetest boy I have ever met."
A classmate said: "He was the brightest in my form."
Benji was also described as having a "bright future" ahead of him.
Another friend said: "He was such a good, funny, loyal and a relatable friend overall.
"He was actually one of the most kindest people I’ve ever met.
"He’s actually so chill to be around with. I’m going to miss playing outside with him."
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