Teen Hero Jumps Into Choppy Seas to Rescue Barrister Father on Tenerife Holiday

A tragic incident unfolded in Tenerife when 57-year-old Stephen Howd, a newly appointed judge, drowned while swimming with his 16-year-old son, William. An inquest revealed that on April 21, 2023, while enjoying a holiday in Santa Cruz, the pair encountered dangerous sea conditions that quickly turned dire. Despite his bravery, William’s attempts to rescue his father were unsuccessful.

Witnesses described Mr. Howd enjoying the water until conditions changed, leading to a struggle against powerful waves. As chaos ensued, bystanders fashioned a makeshift rope to assist in the rescue effort. Sadly, Stephen struck his head on rocks, and despite William’s efforts to pull him to safety, a large wave thwarted their escape, sweeping Stephen back into the sea.

Emergency responders arrived, but their attempts were in vain; Mr. Howd was pronounced dead at the scene. His daughter, Constance Ridge, emphasized her father’s strong swimming skills, calling the event a stroke of bad luck. The coroner highlighted William’s courageous actions during the ordeal and conveyed condolences to the family.

Ultimately, the coroner ruled the cause of death as misadventure, noting that heart disease contributed but was not the primary cause. Stephen Howd’s passing is a heart-wrenching reminder of the unpredictable nature of water and the heroism of those who attempt to save others in peril.