Teenager's body recovered from water in Derbyshire
Water safety advice issued after 18 year old's death near Darley Abbey
Last updated 11th Jul 2026
An 18-year-old man has died after getting into difficulty in water at Darley Abbey in Derbyshire.
Derbyshire firefighters were called at 12:46 yesterday lunchtime to assist Derbyshire Constabulary with the search for two teenagers reported to be in difficulty near to a weir at the Darley Abbey Mills complex.
Fire crews from Belper, Buxton, Kingsway, and Nottingham Road, as well as a water rescue unit from Nottinghamshire's Highfields Fire Station, attended the scene.
Specialist trained police divers took over the operation at around 14.50.
By 19:45, Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed the body of the young man had been recovered, and officers are supporting his family.
Louise Dempsey, a Group Manager at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Derbyshire has numerous open water sites, including quarries, reservoirs, lakes, and rivers. They all have hidden dangers including strong currents, and hidden debris which could cause entrapment.
"The water remains cold even in hot temperatures, meaning cold water shock can occur within seconds. This can cause you to gasp for breath, lose control of your breathing and become disorientated very quickly.
"If you do enter open water and get into difficulty, use the ‘Float to Live’ technique, lay on your back, put your arms and legs out and float, this will allow you to calm your breathing, gain control and either call for help, or swim to safety.”