Teen drowns after being thrown into river by ‘friend’ who owed him £40

By Shania King-Soyza, Audience Writer, Spare Time

Abdou Ngom died after being thrown in river (Image: Jam Press)

Tragedy struck when a 13-year-old aspiring footballer died after allegedly being hurled into a river by an older boy over a £40 debt. Initial reports suggested Abdou Ngom had disappeared while swimming with friends, but it has now emerged that he may have been thrown in despite his protests of not being able to swim.

The incident occurred at the Tanaro River in Verduno, Piedmont region, Italy, where Abdou and four boys had travelled from their homes in Bra to spend time on a riverside beach. Despite the agreeable weather, the river was treacherous, swollen and murky following recent inclement weather. A week after Abdou's disappearance, the search efforts were abandoned.

Emergency services searching for Abdou (Image: Jam Press)

Reports indicate that the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office in Turin has charged one of the adolescents with voluntary manslaughter, suggesting deliberate intent.

The accused teenager is currently confined to house arrest. Investigations revealed that the three boys had communicated about how to act if questioned by the police.

Interrogations uncovered that the main suspect was determined to recover a £40 (€50) debt owed by Abdou.

One of the group reportedly confessed to the authorities: "Abdou said he couldn't swim, but the other guy grabbed him and threw him in the water."

However, the accused denies these allegations, as per NeedToKnow's report. Abdou, born in Bra and of Senegalese heritage, is mourned by his family, including his parents, an older brother, a younger brother, and a sister.

The incident occurred at the Tanaro River in Verduno, Piedmont region (Image: Jam Press )

His father, Khadim, shared with the press: "He dreamed of becoming a footballer and played for Bra first, then for the team in Roreto, Cherasco.

"But he couldn't swim. Unfortunately, I wasn't home that day, and he left without telling his mum where he was going. Otherwise, we would never have let him go to the river with those friends.

"I hope this breakthrough in the investigation will at least lead to the search for my Abdou being restarted. I just want them to let us bury his body and have a grave where we can mourn him."

The family's wish, once Abdou's remains are recovered, is to repatriate him to Senegal for burial alongside their ancestors. The heartbreaking incident occurred on 21 April.