02 May 2023 , 08:36
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A fit and healthy young footballer and strong swimmer drowned in a lake weeks after he was attacked by a gang carrying crowbars and a hammer, an inquest heard.
Nicolae Topa, 17, joined West Ham’s fabled youth academy after moving to the UK with his family aged 14 from Moldova, and also turned out for Leytonstone FC, as well as Petrocub FC; a Moldovan team in London.
In June last year, the popular teenager was attacked by several youths and suffered a brain haemorrhage which caused him dizziness, headaches and tiredness.
Three weeks later he attended a family dinner when Nicolae’s family and friends visited from their hometown in Moldova.
Afterwards, he went to Fairlop Waters Country Park, in Hainault, east London, and offered to swim to the middle of the lake to get one of the moored boats.
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A police officer at the scene of Nicolae's death in July last year (MyLondon/Reach)When he stopped answering their calls, the alarm was raised and Nicolae’s body was found the next day, Essex Live reported.
At an inquest into his death at Walthamstow Coroner’s Court on Friday (April 28), Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine ruled a link between the attack and the teenager's death could not be proven.
He added: “It is very clear his mum and family were very proud of Nicolae and his achievements.
“On June 12, 2022, Nicolae was severely assaulted by a group of men, two of whom were armed. The injuries he sustained of that assault led to him losing consciousness for a few seconds and having to go to hospital. The injuries had a physical effect on Nicolae, he felt pain and episodes of dizziness.
“On July 3, 2022, Nicolae’s family were visited by friends from their time in Moldova. The accounts provided to me state he was very happy. A celebratory event was organised in Stratford. Following the meal some of the family went home, but some of the family had a different plan.
The coroner could find no link between the attack and Nicolae's death (Essex Live)“At Fairlop Waters he seemed to be happy. It is said Nicolae announced to his friends he was going to swim in the lake and retrieve a boat that was moored in the middle of the lake.
“Evidence doesn’t show signs that Nicolae’s intentions were criminal, this is typical behaviour for a young man in good spirits.
“At no time did anyone hear sounds of distress, nor did they hear Nicolae asking for help, Nicolae simply did not respond to their voices.
“It is apparent to me Nicolae was trying to have some fun. It was a hot night, he had decided to get into the water and demonstrate his talent swimming and get a boat on the lake.
“It seems to have been a joke. The consequence of hijinks that went wrong.”
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Four men pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent for the attack on Nicolae and will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court in June.