Marcel Wochna 'wanted to become an actor' mum tells inquest

In a statement read out at the inquest into the teenager's death, Beata Wochna said her son was born in Poland but "loved" living in the UK.

She said: "It is very difficult for me to talk about Marcel and his tragic passing. He was my first child.

"Myself and my two children moved to the UK. 

"He absolutely loved it here straight away. Despite not really speaking English he was able to make friends quickly."

Ms Wochna said her son's "warmth, positivity and character" stood out describing him as the "life of the party". 

She added: "Marcel was extroverted, friendly, funny and active. He found it extremely easy to make friends.

"He played football, attended MMA and boxing classes and even tried dance.

"He was far less enthusiastic about strictly academic subjects.

"Marcel dreamed of becoming an actor. He wanted to attend Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh for A-Levels."

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The jury previously heard the 15-year-old had jumped into the River Itchen at Cobden Marina on the night of November 7, 2021 to evade police.

PC William Chan who had tried to arrest him told the inquest Marcel was "swimming confidently".

However, when he returned to look for him after arresting his friend, Marcel was nowhere to be seen.

A major search involving 50 people was launched that night. The coastguard, fire service, police and ambulance service all responded with boats and a helicopter deployed. 

Search teams looking for Marcel Wochna (Image: Newsquest)

Marcel's body was found more than 24 hours later, on November 9, under a pontoon at Smiths Quay, around two and a half miles downstream.

Police officer, Benjamin Hitchins said in a statement that officers went to Marcel's house on the evening of his disappearance.

They spoke to his mother who thought he was asleep in bed. 

Flowers left on Cobden Bridge after the death of Marcel Wochna (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Wochna told the jury: "Marcel's death has been completely devastating for me and my family.

"I cannot put into words the pain that I felt when I learnt about his death.

"No matter how hard it is, I want to try and understand what happened so hopefully something like this does not happen to another boy."

The inquest continues.