Friend of Sutton Park drowning victim urges three changes after new tragedy
Ricky O'Neill was friends with Frazer Amiss, a 15-year-old who lost his life in Powell's Pool in Sutton Park on Sunday, July 29, 2001.
Fraser was trying to get to a sea cadet's boat moored in the middle of the pool, when he got into difficulties and drowned.
READ MORE: 'Beautiful grandson' remembered by nan after Sutton Park tragedy
Back then a water rescue team had to come from Nottingham to Sutton Coldfield when the alarm was raised at around 7pm but the teen's body was not recovered until Monday, July 30.
Frazer's friend, Ricky O'Neill said this week's tragedy in Sutton Park was 'history repeating'. Daniel Drewitt, 16, got into difficulties in Powell's Pool, on Thursday night at around 6pm.
The teenager could not be saved and his body was recovered shortly after 10pm.
Ricky said the news 'brought the memories flooding back'.
The 39-year-old lived close to Fraser - Ricky in Eastern Road in Boldmere and Fraser in Highbridge Road.
They both went to John Willmott School, caught the bus together and spent a lot of time at each other's houses.
They also shared the same birthday, August 29.
READ MORE: Boy who died at Sutton Park lake named as school pays tribute
Ricky said: 'Frazer was at my house that day. I remember saying to him 'don't go in the lake'.
'But he went with a friend of ours.
'I had a phone call about Frazer and went to the next-door neighbour and they dropped me down here [at Sutton Park].
'I sat down by the lake for hours and hours.
'Frazer's dad, Darren, went in the water. There were fire officers here too.
'And today is just like that day.'
Ricky continued: 'I saw the news on Friday morning and all the emotions came back.
'Over there where the cows are [the cows were sat by the side of Powell's Pool which the night before would have been within the police cordon], that's where we put the flowers.
'It brought back all the memories.
'I spoke to Darren, Frazer's dad. He wanted me to mention the diving team set up in Frazer's memory but it didn't carry on due to funding. There was a patrol in the summer.
'Today is history repeating.'
READ MORE: Dad whose aunt and friend died at Sutton Coldfield lake calls for action
Ricky, a dad of two with girls aged seven and 12, said: 'Many people have said 'it's brought back memories'.
'As soon as they saw the story of this, they thought of me and the lads and Frazer.
'On the way down here my eyes started going. When I saw the news I cried. It was the pictures of the emergency services.
'Frazer was a top lad. He liked music and boxing – they set up the Frazer Amiss Boxing Club
'It was strange not having him there. What happened to him affected me and motivated me. I want to help people.'
Ricky runs a club called the Bearded Brummies which raises money for charities, particularly for men's mental health charities, and Birmingham MIND.
He said: 'I have broken down lots of times over it. Everyone copes differently. At the time there was no help for us. We were left to ourselves.
'I am now thinking is there anything we can do for the lad's friends. The boy's friends have to stick together and get and take help.
'On my 30th birthday I did a fundraiser for the diving team. For the city the size of Birmingham we haven't got our own search and rescue team.
'The lake has hidden currents, items in there and other things you don't want to come into contact with.'
Get the latest Sutton Coldfield news delivered direct to your inbox
Ricky called for three things to happen to help stop future tragedies.
He said: 'Before finishing school for the six-week holidays, teachers should raise awareness of the dangers of being around lakes and water.
'If they are thinking of going in the water, just don't do it. I didn't even go in the sea until four years ago.
'I think they also need to have someone patrol the lake on a hot day and every day in the six-week holiday to make sure people don't go in there.
'A couple of years ago I saw some kids on the boat and told them to get out, which they did.
'And we said years ago that boat needs to be removed. That's what attracts the kids.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Three people arrested after Blue Stevens stabbed to death near luxury hotel in Knightsbridge
Three people have been arrested after a man was stabbed to death near a luxury hotel in London's Knightsbridge area. Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of Blue Stevens, 24, on Wednesday say two people were arrested at an address in Hounslow, west London, on Saturday. One man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. He remains in police custody. Another man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has been bailed pending further enquiries. Following their arrests, Metropolitan Police officers obtained a warrant to search two properties in Chiswick, west London, where "significant evidence" was recovered. The third man was arrested on Monday on suspicion of assisting an offender. He remains in police custody. Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, who leads policing in Central West London, said: "These arrests mark a significant milestone in this complex and unfolding murder investigation. "We continue to progress at pace. While we retain an open mind around motive, one line of enquiry is now that this may have been a targeted attack. "Increased police patrols remain active in and around the Knightsbridge area. Please do speak with an officer if you have any questions or concerns." Officers said the incident took place shortly before 9.30pm on Wednesday in Seville Street, near the Park Tower - a five-star hotel and casino in the heart of Knightsbridge. Police said Mr Stevens was found with stab wounds and died at the scene. Read more from Sky News: A spokesperson for the hotel said the incident did not involve staff or guests, and added: "We are very saddened by this incident that occurred on the street adjacent to our hotel." A Metropolitan Police superintendent previously said that the force was aware of reports that the incident was a robbery but stressed last week that "we are keeping an open mind about all possible motives".
CBS News
24 minutes ago
- CBS News
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department searches for missing rifle believed to have fallen out of patrol vehicle
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said they are looking for a department-issued rifle that went missing over the weekend from the trunk of a patrol vehicle. On July 12, between approximately 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., as deputies with the South Los Angeles Station were responding to a call, they realized their Colt M4 rifle and five magazines, each loaded with 30 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition, likely fell out of their trunk while driving. The rifle was secured inside a black, hard-shelled storage case. "We are notifying the public in the interest of transparency and community safety, and to seek assistance in locating the missing Department-issued rifle," the department wrote in a news release. The deputies had traveled about four miles in the Lennox area along the following route: North on Normandie Avenue, West on Imperial Highway, North on Hawthorne Boulevard, and West on 104th Street to Inglewood Avenue. Once it was realized the rifle was missing, a search of the station parking lot was conducted, and the deputies' route of travel was retraced. Authorities said surveillance footage from the area is being reviewed, and local law enforcement agencies have been notified of the incident. The sheriff's department said an internal review of the incident is underway, including an evaluation of whether policies and procedures were followed. "The Department is committed to transparency and accountability as we investigate this incident."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Gregg Wallace ‘deeply sorry for any distress caused' by on-set behaviour
Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has said he is 'deeply sorry for any distress caused' and that he 'never set out to harm or humiliate' in the wake of a report that saw 45 out of 83 allegations made against him upheld. In November 2024, the show's production company, Banijay UK, announced that Wallace, 60, would step away from his role on MasterChef while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. The findings of the report, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, and published on Monday, said that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace, during his time on the show, were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact'. In a statement to the PA news agency, he said: 'For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. 'None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.' The report found that the 'majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018', with only one allegation substantiated after 2018. It also concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also substantiated. The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity. In his statement, Wallace added: 'I'm relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. 'After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier.' 'A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning.' He praised the show's production company, Banijay, saying they had 'given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake.' 'To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. 'This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last.' The former greengrocer said: 'There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.' During the investigation, it was also found that '10 standalone allegations were made against other people, two of which were substantiated', relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language. Banijay UK said that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable' following the number of sustained allegations. Patrick Holland, chief executive of Banijay UK, said that while the report 'makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures', it also provided 'valuable insight to ensure that going forward everyone working on our productions feels safe and supported, and that inappropriate behaviour is quickly and professionally dealt with'. Mr Holland added: 'In earlier years, specifically prior to 2016, where the vast majority of these issues arose, it is clear that escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been, and awareness of policies and procedures were lacking, particularly amongst freelance staff.' The BBC also said it has 'informed' Wallace that it has 'no plans to work with him in future', adding in a statement: 'The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. 'This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us. 'Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour, both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.' The BBC also addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year which has not yet been aired, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it, adding: 'We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants. Their statement added: 'We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.' Downing Street said it is 'right that a thorough investigation has been conducted' into the allegations, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman adding: 'We welcome the fact that the BBC severed ties with Gregg Wallace. 'We're clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future.' Asked whether the series of MasterChef featuring Wallace that has not yet been broadcast should be aired, the spokesman said: 'It's a decision for the BBC, but clearly the BBC must take action to ensure that the public retains its trust in the handling of these matters.' Last year, a BBC News investigation revealed a string of allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and alleged inappropriate behaviour against Wallace by 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period, including former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark. A statement from Wallace's lawyers at the time said that it 'is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature', as reported by BBC News. In December, Wallace claimed in an Instagram video that complaints about his behaviour came from 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. After a backlash, he apologised for any 'offence' or 'upset' caused and said he would 'take some time out'. Ahead of the official publishing of the external review, Wallace claimed in an Instagram post on July 8, which appears to have been taken down, that he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him. His social media post and the report come as the TV presenter and former greengrocer faced claims from 50 or more people, as reported by BBC News last week, with the majority saying he made inappropriate sexual comments, and 11 women accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. Wallace was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has also featured on Eat Well For Less?, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest and Supermarket Secrets. He was most known, however, for presenting MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, and Celebrity MasterChef.
