Nottinghamshire Lake Death: Panashe Muchenje Family Appeal Over Online Videos
The family of Panashe Muchenje, a 19-year-old who tragically died after getting into difficulty in Balderton Lake, Nottinghamshire, on 28 May, has appealed for the public to stop circulating videos of the event. Mr Muchenje, from Hucknall, was with friends when he entered the lake near Newark. Despite receiving treatment at the scene and being taken to hospital, he succumbed on 30 May.
Maxwell Muchenje, Panashe's 56-year-old nephew, described him as a "very energetic, very loving person" and highlighted his significant involvement within his church community. Maxwell urged the public to cease sharing footage and speculating about the circumstances of the death, stating that such actions were "adding insult to injury" for the grieving family.
Nottinghamshire Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and a file will be prepared for the coroner. Maxwell clarified that Panashe possessed "basic" swimming skills, and a friend had attempted to assist him. He emphasised that Panashe's companions were not at fault, viewing the event as an accident, and noted they are also experiencing significant trauma.
Panashe, who arrived in the UK from Zimbabwe approximately three years prior, was a student at Nottingham College and was in the process of applying to the Royal Air Force. A burial service is scheduled for next week, and the family expressed gratitude for community support from the police, hospital, and church.
