‘His legacy is one of love’: Tributes pour out after death of boy at Beckenham Place Park Lake

8 April 2025 Claudia Lee

By Regina Motalib

Friends, parents and teachers gathered to pay their tributes at Beckenham Place Park Lake, where 15-year-old Izaiah Smith tragically lost his life last Friday.

The popular, talented young footballer, who was a Year 11 pupil at Kingsdale Foundation School in Alleyn Park, West Dulwich, died after “getting into difficulty” at the lake.

A Met spokesman said: “Officers were called to the park shortly after 3pm on April 4, following reports of a boy going missing after getting into difficulty in the water.

*Flowers laid in tribute to Izaiah Smith by Beckenham Place Park Lake (Picture: Regina Motalib)*

“Specialist diving teams were in attendance alongside London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade crews.

“A boy was recovered from the lake at around 10.40pm. He was taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead. The death is being treated as unexpected but not believed to be suspicious.

“His family are aware and continue to receive support.”

At the scene, 15-year-old Alexis said said she had been friends with Izaiah for over 10 years and described him as an “amazing person.”

She added: “Izaiah could always cheer you up, no matter what. If you’re having a bad day, he would be there to make you shine. That’s one thing I’ll miss most about him.

“He had such an upbeat personality and was such a positive person. That’s going to take a toll on so many people as not everyone had someone as positive like how he was.

“His parents should be proud for everything they have done to make him who he is. He was so good at football. I wish he could have made it further without his life being cut short.”

*Izaiah’s family described the 15-year-old as a “rising football talent” (Picture: Regina Motalib)*

Tanya, who is a parent with a child in the same year as Izaiah at the school, also left flowers at the scene.

She said she hoped “something positive could come from this devastating incident”.

She added: “My heart is broken for Izaiah’s family and I am praying for them and his friends.

“I hope better safety measures are put in place at the lake. It should always be manned when the park is open and the fence should be higher to hopefully avoid any future tragedies of this kind.”

Izaiah’s family have expressed their “deepest gratitude” to all who have reached out to them. In a tribute shared via his school website, they described how Izaiah’s “unwavering dedication to others made every room brighter”.

They said: “Izaiah had a rare gift for uplifting those around him.

“Izaiah was a rising football talent who poured his passion into sports, striving daily to grow both on and off the field. His legacy is one of love, perseverance and the joy he bought to every moment and everyone.”

*A boxing glove with the message ‘rest in peace, we will miss you’ by the lake (Picture: Regina Motalib)*

Kingsdale Foundation School described Izaiah as a “much loved” student who was “charismatic, intelligent and above all a kind young man”.

They added: “Izaiah often topped the academic achievement points board and won numerous community awards. He was a keen ambassador for his school, not only representing Kingsdale with distinction at numerous Open Day events, but also in sports such as athletics and particularly football.”

Izaiah was part of the Kingsdale Foundation School team which won the under-15s National Finals of the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) PlayStation Cup in 2024.

The school continued: “The outpouring of emotion and grief following the tragic loss of Izaiah on Friday is testament to the positive impact he made on the wider Kingsdale Community.

“Our thoughts continue to be with his family, friends and peers at this incredibly difficult time.”

A book of condolence has been opened at the school and will be accessible throughout the holiday period and beyond. Those who have expressed a wish to leave flowers, cards and tributes for the family can also do so.

Beckenham Place Park Lake remains closed following the tragedy.

A GoFundMe has been set up by staff and parents of the school: https://gofund.me/ca3e7a89

Pictured top: Izaiah Smith, who tragically lost his life on Friday at Beckenham Place Park Lake (Picture: @_seda_academy)