Teen drowned in Lakes tarn while swimming with friends, inquest told
Absi Ahmed Mohammad, aged 17, tragically died after an incident at High Dam Tarn
A teenager drowned in a Lake District tarn after getting into difficulty while swimming with friends, an inquest has heard.
Absi Ahmed Mohammad, aged 17, tragically died after an incident at High Dam Tarn, above Finsthwaite, close to the southern end of Windermere, on Tuesday, 7th April. A multi-agency search was launched after Cumbria police received a call at 12-32pm from a member of the public who indicated that someone was in trouble.
Firefighters, ambulance staff, HM Coastguard and mountain rescue team volunteers all responded and Absi’s body was subsequently recovered. Police confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious.
An inquest into Absi’s death was formally opened this morning (thurs) at Cumbria Coroners Court, in Workington.
That task was performed by assistant coroner Dr Nicholas Shaw, who stated: “The brief circumstances I have been provided with are that Absi was swimming in the tarn with his friends when he got into difficulties and disappeared below the water. His body was recovered by professional divers later that day.”
A provisional cause of death following a CT scan examination of the teenager’s body had given a cause of death as drowning. “This is clearly a tragic and unnatural death, and therefore an inquest is required,” said Dr Shaw.
An order had been prepared to indicate how the coroners’ office was planning to investigate. Evidence of visual identification had been taken from a family friend of Absi’s who had known him for 10 years.
Evidence had been sought from family members to prepare a “pen portrait”, providing information about Absi and his life.
In addition, a statement was being sought from police setting out the circumstances of the tragedy, enquiries made and the outcome of any investigations.
Dr Shaw adjourned the inquest to a provisional date of 1st September, 2026.
Almost £16,000 has been collected in memory of Absi, from Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, after a fund-raiser was started by friend Theo Earnshaw.
On a gofundme page — “Supporting a family with the loss of their beloved son Absi” — Theo wrote: “His passing has left a deep and unimaginable pain in the hearts of his parents and his brother, Adil, as well as the many friends who adored him, including myself, and his friends, Harry, Will and Jack.
“Absi was a bright, kind, funny young man with his whole future ahead of him. He was a loyal friend, a loving son, and someone who brought warmth and laughter wherever he went. His loss has shaken our entire community.”
Theo said all money raised would go directly to Absi’s parents, Basir and Sammi, to help with: funding vital life saving equipment and safety signs to make the area safer; building water wells for homes in Afghanistan; helping rebuilding lives in Yemen through a charity relief mission; funeral and memorial costs; and also household bills and living expenses while they are unable to work.
“We are writing this as four boys who were lucky enough to call Absi our best mate,” said his friends. “It still doesn't feel real that he's gone. He was the person who made everything better, the one who made us laugh, the one who brought everyone together, the one who never let anyone feel left out.
“Absi wasn't just our mate. He was our brother.
“He had this way of walking into a room and changing the whole mood with his smile. He was funny without trying, kind without thinking, and loyal in a way you don't often see at our age.
“We grew up together, made memories we'll never forget, and planned a future we thought we'd all be part of.
“Losing him has changed us forever.”
Absi, who attended Blackpool Sixth Form, played at Fylde Cricket Club for both junior and senior teams.
A club spokesperson had said in the aftermath of his death: "Everyone at Fylde Cricket Club would like to express our deepest condolences to our 3rd XI Captain, Adil, and his family, following the tragic loss of his brother Absi earlier this week.
"Absi played junior cricket at the club and was proudly presented with senior cap number 205 in 2024 when he represented the 3rd XI. Our thoughts are with Absi’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
"As a club, we stand beside you and send our heartfelt love, strength and support. You are part of our Fylde family, and we are here for you always.”