Teenagers still jumping off bridge one year after tragic drowning

Louise Walsh

Teenagers are still jumping off a footbridge just a year after a young teenager drowned after leaping from the same spot at a coastal location.

As temperatures soar, teenagers are again jumping from the bridge at Laytown, Co. Meath, just one year after the death of 15-year-old Kofi Owusu, who sprang from the structure into the River Nanny and didn't resurface on June 20th, 2025

The young student from Dundalk, Co. Louth, had been visiting friends when the incident, which was ruled as accidental death at a Meath County Coroner's inquest, occurred.

Now, a local resident, who has lost young relatives in drowning accidents, is calling for measures to stop kids jumping from the bridge and prevent another possible death.

However, she has received backlash on social media, calling her a kill-joy.

Michelle Campbell said she was horrified to see kids jumping into the river, right beside floral tributes laid by Kofi's family and friends in the last few days.

She said she doesn't want to spoil anyone's fun but just wants to prevent another death at this blackspot.

"My daughter was having something to eat nearby last year and can still remember hearing the screams of Kofi's mother when his body was recovered. I don't want anyone hearing another mother's screams.

"My cousin lost her four year old in a drowning accident and my best friend lost her son and after seeing what they went through, I wouldn't put another parent through that especially when it can be helped."

"I'm not a killjoy but I was shocked to see teenagers still jumping from it after the tragedy last year. Even if they jumped further down the bridge where it isn't as high, it would be something."

Michelle has called for Meath Co. Council to install safety measures at the bridge, carry out a water risk assessment and employ a lifeguard at that location.

The call for a lifeguard and safety measures has been echoed by local Independent Cllr Carol Lennon who says there is no lifeguard there because Laytown beach is not a designated bathing area.

"Only 1.5m of Laytown beach is covered by the lifeguard that is in charge for Bettystown and they only work from 11am to 6pm

"It may be only seven hours but that's seven less hours they are putting themselves in danger. Kids will jump off piers and bridges and you are wasting your time telling them not to but anyone who witnessed the tragedy last year doesn't want to see another one and can't understand why some measures have not been put in place."

Meath Co. Council have been contacted for comment