Tributes have been paid to a teenage boy with “huge character and infectious energy” who died after getting into difficulty in a lake at Beckenham Place Park in south-east London.
Friends have described how Izaiah Smith, 15, was “just starting his life” while coaches at the football academy Izaiah played for described how he would greet everyone “with the most adorable smile”.
Officers and paramedics were called to Beckenham Place Park in Lewisham shortly after 3pm on Friday.
The Metropolitan Police said on Saturday that the search for the 15-year-old had been stopped after he was found on Friday night.
Specialist diving teams, ambulance crews and firefighters assisted in the search, Scotland Yard said.
Izaiah’s family have been made aware and are being supported, a spokesman for the force said on Sunday.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday, Izaiah's football team, Dorking Wanderers FC, paid tribute to him, describing him as “hugely popular” and “talented”.
“We are absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of one of our young footballers - Izaiah Smith. It is of course impossible to find the words to explain what a tragedy this is,” the post said.
“Izaiah was a hugely popular and talented young man and will be sorely missed by all that knew him. The club will provide support for all involved in whatever way we possibly can.
“In the meantime all of our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates at this incredibly difficult time.”
— Dorking Wanderers FC (@DorkingWDRS) April 6, 2025
Friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to Izaiah, who was described as “full of life, always smiling, and a bright spirit who could light up any room.”
One posted: “Izaiah, you were such a kind soul. We can’t believe you’re gone. You will always be in our hearts. Rest easy, brother.”
Another tribute read: “We just can’t believe it. He was so young, just starting his life. Sending love to his family during this unimaginable time.”
On Saturday, Starz Elite Development Academy (SEDA), a west London football academy where the teenager played, said it would “forever cherish the memories we shared with Izaiah”.
In a tribute on its social media channels, the football academy said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that SEDA Academy mourns the loss of our beloved U16s player, Izaiah Smith, who passed away on April 4.
“We are absolutely heartbroken by this news. Izaiah was such a bright light within our programme. Always present at training, he greeted everyone with the most adorable smile.
“His huge character and infectious energy will be deeply missed by us all. He was a truly respectful young man, always showing kindness and consideration to all the coaches and staff at SEDA Academy.”
Lewisham Council, which manages the 96-hectare park, said it was reopened on Saturday but the lake would remain closed with security in place until further notice.
“We are working closely with the police in order that their investigation establishes the full facts of what’s happened,” the council added.
The Met said: “A boy was recovered from the lake at around 10.42pm on Friday, April 4.
“He was taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead.
“His death is being treated as unexpected but not believed to be suspicious.”
The London Fire Brigade said: “We were called to reports of one person in the water at Beckenham Place Park lake.
“Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters from Woodside, Lewisham, Beckenham, Croydon, and Euston fire stations attended the scene.”
On Monday, 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa went missing in the River Thames near Barge House Causeway in east London.
These incidents have heightened public concern about open water safety, particularly as warm spring weather draws more people to outdoor swimming spots.
Figures from the Royal Lifesaving Society revealed that the number of child drowning deaths in England doubled in four years, from 20 in 2019/20, to 41 in 2022/23.
