Woman and Young Child Drown in Elthorne Park
Tragedy occurred after pair entered the water in the River Brent
The River Brent by Elthorne Park. Picture: Google Streetview
April 28, 2026
A 34-year-old woman and her seven-year-old son have died after getting into difficulty in the water at Elthorne Park.
On one of the warmest days of the year so far in London, the incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon (25 April). Emergency services were called just before 4.30pm following reports that a woman and child were in difficulty in the water, in an area of the park bordered by the River Brent and close to the Grand Union Canal Walk.
Despite urgent efforts by the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, police officers and members of the public, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers are working to identify their next of kin. Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray, from the Met’s West Area Command Unit, described the loss as “a tragic incident in which a woman and her young child have lost their lives,” adding that their thoughts are with the family at this devastating time. He also praised the “incredibly challenging” efforts of first responders and members of the public who attempted to help.
Police confirmed that an investigation is under way, but stressed that all initial indications suggest the circumstances are not suspicious. The focus now is on establishing how the pair came to be in the water and notifying relatives.
The deaths occurred as temperatures in Ealing reached around 21C, drawing many residents outdoors to enjoy the sunshine. The warm weather and the park’s proximity to the River Brent and nearby waterways have prompted renewed attention to water safety, though authorities have not yet released further details about the incident.
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