Body of 11-Year-Old Mackenzie Swift Found in River Don After Extensive Search

A body has been recovered from the River Don in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, following an extensive search for 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift. Mackenzie was last seen entering the water near Ferry Boat Lane at approximately 20:00 BST on Saturday.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed that search operations, involving an underwater team and Woodhead Mountain Rescue volunteers, concluded shortly before 23:00 on Monday. While formal identification is pending, Mackenzie's family has been informed and is receiving specialist support.

Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp, Doncaster's district commander, extended his deepest sympathies to Mackenzie's family and friends. "Losing a child is every parent's worst nightmare," Thorp stated, acknowledging the wider impact of the news on the community and Mackenzie's school.

This tragic event brings the number of known open water fatalities in the UK to 16 during the recent period of warm weather. Other recent water-related deaths in the region include a 13-year-old girl who died in the River Wharfe, North Yorkshire, on Sunday, and a 15-year-old girl from Cheshire who succumbed to difficulties in the sea off Merseyside on Saturday. Furthermore, a woman in her 60s died in Thornton Cleveleys while attempting to rescue a dog, with a man in critical condition from the same incident.