The mother of an ‘awesome’ young man who drowned in the River Ouse in York says she is tortured by thoughts of his last 20 minutes fighting for his life.
Evan D’Andilly, 19, died after entering the water just after 3am on 5 March 2025 – four days before his 20th birthday.
A two-day inquest heard how he kept his head above water for 20 minutes, but no one from the emergency services was able to rescue him in that time.
Evan was from Scunthorpe and was a student at the University of York. He was on a night out with friends when he entered the river from Ouse Bridge.
His parents, Lorraine and Gordon, paid tribute to their “beautiful” son, who “brought joy to so many people”.
Mrs D’Andilly struggled through tears to read an impact statement to the inquest in Northallerton today (Wednesday).
Evan “brought light into our lives – his smile lit up a room, his laughter was infectious, his sense of humour was quirky and intelligent, he was fun-loving, kind and generous. He had a gentle soul and he loved unconditionally,” she said.
“I cannot begin to describe the totally devastating impact Evan’s death has had on our family. For each and every one of us, he was a central part of our world and was enormously loved.
“As a family, we don’t just miss Evan – we have a profound sense of loss for the bright future he should have had, a future we would have been a part of.
“Earlier this year, four days after the anniversary of his death, it would have been his 21st birthday – that was a really hard week.
She travelled with her partner John to York “and went to lay flowers at the riverside. I bought a pint of beer and raised a glass to my awesome son, then sobbed all the way home”.
“He should have been with us for all of his life celebrations – birthdays, Christmases, perhaps a wedding and maybe grandchildren. We would have been there to help and support him through life,” she said.
This month, Evan would have graduated from the University of York.
“One of my friends has a daughter who graduated a few days ago from the University of York and seeing the photos proudly posted on social media was like a punch to the gut,” Mrs D’Andilly said.
“Evan should still be here – it’s that simple.”
She said she lost part of herself when he died along with “the capacity for joy and brightness”.
“I work from home and avoid having to go into the office as much as possible because the false mask I wear, the act of pretending to be OK, is absolutely exhausting.”
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After the inquest, Mrs D’Andilly said: “The past 16 months have been unbearable, and today has been an emotional but a significant day for our family.
“Before anything else, we want people to remember that Evan was so much more than the circumstances of his death. He was an awesome human being, kind, loving, generous, and incredibly funny.
“He brought he brought joy to so many people, and he is deeply loved and deeply missed every single day.
“He filled our lives with last laughter, and his death has left a space that can never be filled. He had so much life ahead of him, and he should still be with us today.”
She added: “We have never sought blame for its own sake. We’ve sought openness, honesty, and the opportunity for lessons to be learned and meaningful changes to be made.
“Evan’s life mattered, and we. we remain committed to ensuring that his legacy is one of learning, compassion, and positive change.
“We would like to thank everyone who has stood beside us during this horrendous time. Your support has meant more than words can express.”
‘Life changed forever’
After the inquest, Mr D’Andilly said: “My beautiful Evan. Life changed forever when he died. I don’t laugh as easily. I cry more. I’m forever changed.
“I hope lessons can be learned, and this inquest will have served its purpose, preventing further families from having to go through what we have had to.
“We miss Evan terribly, and we will love him always.”
He said Evan was always a strong swimmer, right from when he was little and the family were living in Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands.
“Lorraine and I were involved in swimming pool safety. Evan was actually photographed as part of her advertising with life rings, rubber rings, face mask, as a three-year-old – very cute,
“He was a strong swimmer.”
In court, experts said people who fall into a cold river stay above water on average “five to seven minutes”.
“Ev lasted nearly 20, which is a credit to him. You know, he fought to the end, and I’m proud of him,” Mr D’Andilly said.
