Talented cricketer named as teen,17, who drowned in Lake District

Tributes have been paid to Absi Ahmed, a 17-year-old boy who drowned while swimming in the Lake District.

The teenager’s body was found by a search team after reports of a person in difficulty at a lake near Windermere on Tuesday 7 April.

Ahmed was a student at Blackpool Sixth Form and played junior cricket at Fylde Cricket Club with his brother, Absi. 

A spokesperson for the club said: ‘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.

‘We will hold a minute’s applause before all of our friendly fixtures this weekend to remember Absi.’

Cumbria Police were called at 12.30pm on Tuesday after reports of a person in difficulty at High Dam Tarn, prompting a rescue operation involving the police, fire and ambulance services, the coastguard and mountain rescue teams.

Local farmers also helped carry people and equipment across the rough ground to help search and rescue teams look for the teenager along the shoreline.

Later police said that a body had been found but the teen’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

Nearby cricket clubs also expressed condolences on Fylde’s post on social media.

An account for Wyre Cricket Club wrote: ‘Everyone at Wyre Cricket Club sends our sincere condolences to Adil and his family at this heartbreaking time. You’re all in our thoughts.’

And Lytham Cricket Club added: ‘Everyone at Lytham CC sends our condolences to Adil and his family and to everyone at Fylde CC at this sad time.’

One person wrote: ‘Such devastating news. Absi was an amazing young man and will be missed. My condolences to Adil and his family.’

Another said: ‘A beautiful and kind young man, you will be missed dearly, Absi.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@usnewsrank.com.

For more stories like this, check our news page.