Scout dies on adventure holiday in Italy

Britain's Scout Association has said it is “devastated” at the death of a boy scout on an adventure holiday in Italy.

The 14-year-old lost consciousness as he jumped into water during a gorge scrambling activity in the Gran Paradiso National Park in the north of the country.

The boy, from Eastwood District Scouts near Glasgow, was immediately rescued from the water and given CPR but could not be resuscitated.

He has been named locally as Elliot Alexander Peacock. It is understood his family have now travelled to Italy.

The teenager was with a group of around 40 scouts who were on the second full day of their nine-day adventure activity trip when the incident happened at around 4.20pm yesterday.

Acorn Adventure, which ran the trip, said: “They were jumping into the water, where instructors were waiting for them. All participants were wearing buoyancy aids, wet suits and helmets as is standard on this activity, carried out by hundreds of participants every year for the past 18 years.

“As yet it is unclear why this participant lost consciousness as he entered the water. Despite very swiftly being given CPR by trained first aiders and nurses who attended the scene, very sadly paramedics were unable to resuscitate him.”

The outdoor education provider added: “The thoughts and condolences of all at Acorn Adventure are with his family and friends; the team’s efforts are fully focused on ensuring they are supported in any way possible.”

Acorn Adventure said it is working with the Italian emergency services and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure the boy is brought home to his family “swiftly and respectfully”, and that senior operations staff are travelling to Italy to provide all possible support.

The boy was a member of the Pegasus Explorer Scout Unit which is linked to the 35th Glasgow Scout Group.

In a statement the Scout Association said: “The young person was taking part in a holiday to the Aosta Valley in Italy organised by Acorn Adventure, who are a company specialising in adventure-based trips.

“We are working with Acorn Adventure to support the family, leaders and other young people involved in this very sad event.

“We are devastated that a young person has died and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the young person at this time.”

The Foreign Office said: “We are aware of the death of a British national in Italy and we stand ready to provide consular assistance.”