Teenager's Drowning Declared Misadventure
A vulnerable 16-year-old boy who went missing while on holiday drowned after entering the sea, an inquest has revealed.
Athrun Lombardo, from Emersons Green, Bristol, disappeared from Llandudno's West Shore in May 2025 during a family holiday. The inquest recorded a verdict of "misadventure" regarding his death.
On the afternoon he was last seen, Athrun had been visiting a quieter section of the beach with his father and younger brother.
The teenager was autistic and had complex needs, including dyspraxia, a condition affecting physical coordination.
A major search operation was launched involving police, the lifeboat service, HM Coastguard, and search and rescue dogs to locate him.
Athrun was last seen wearing only swimming shorts.
His body was recovered from the sea four days later by the Conwy lifeboat crew.
The family had chosen a quieter part of the West Shore beach
Athrun and his family were staying in holiday accommodation while visiting his grandparents in the area.
Family Statements at Inquest
During the inquest at Denbighshire coroner's court in Ruthin, Athrun's mother, Catherine, described the circumstances leading up to his disappearance.
"He seemed to be planning for his immediate and intermediate future and there was no warning that I'd see him alive for the last time at 2pm that day."
Athrun's father, Dean, had taken his two sons to the beach and selected a quieter section of West Shore for their visit.
Dean provided a statement explaining that he had instructed Athrun to walk towards the sea while he applied sunscreen to his younger son.
He said he "had no reason to be concerned" and that Athrun was "allowed time to wander around to help him with his independence."
Dean also noted that the younger boy went to join Athrun but returned upset after being unable to find him.
Catherine Lombardo stated that when she arrived at the beach about two hours after Athrun was last seen, her younger son reported seeing him "running towards the sea," which was unusual as he did not normally run.
Mental Health and Coroner's Conclusion
Athrun was undergoing treatment for depression and had previously disclosed to a psychiatrist his thoughts about drowning himself in the sea.
However, his mother noted that his mood had improved during the holiday in Llandudno.
"His mood had enjoyed a 'boost' by travelling to Llandudno."
John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, concluded that Athrun died from drowning as a result of misadventure and determined there was no intention of self-harm.
"I have nothing supporting that this was a deliberate act on his part by which he meant to bring his life to an end."
