The 16-year-old boy, who had just finished his last day at Oakwood High School, went to Ulley reservoir, a popular spot in Rotherham, with two other friends. The reservoir is famous among people who come for a dip when the weather is warm and Haycock and his friends were no exception. Unfortunately, one of his friends got stuck in a current, which made it difficult for him to get out. Despite not knowing how to swim, Haycock jumped into the water to try and save his struggling friend.
The third friend immediately called emergency services who rushed to save the boys, but they were unable to spot Haycock. It is unclear what happened to the other boy. Specialist teams launched a huge search for the youngster, and they even urged the locals to stay away and the cops cordoned the area as well. Hours later, police confirmed that the boy’s body was found.
The rescue team was unable to save him and he was declared dead at the scene. Theresa Glen, a friend of Haycock’s mother, set up a GoFundMe on behalf of the family and shared a message that read: “A good friend of mine tragically lost her son today. I have set this go fund me to show how us as a community and me as a friend will support you all through this heartbreaking time. I’ve known Sam from being at least 5 years old. The first smile I had from him was when I took him a PG Tips monkey up which he had been wanting for ages. He loved me from then onwards So many tears and smiles shed today.”
Sam is the youngest son of Simon and Gaynor, 55, who have five older boys. “There were three boys including Sam who jumped in and tried to save his friend. It is typical of him, he and his mum would do anything for anyone who needed help,” Glen said.
“Obviously they are absolutely distraught about what has happened but Gaynor is proud of what he tried to do and will treasure that detail for the rest of her life. It was his last day at Oakwood High School and they told each other: ‘I love you’ as he left their home in East Dene. It was completely out of character for him as he’s a 16-year-old boy! She told him to be back for 4 pm and didn’t know where he was when he went missing but the police were round very quickly to inform them of what had happened and Simon identified his son.”
The boy was a gifted athlete and a judo star who flew across the country to participate in tournaments. “It has been a dreadful time for his mum. She has had to have one of her legs amputated and has been in poor health for the last couple of years but has been very brave throughout it all,” added Glen.
“Sam was like his mum. He would not have thought of the danger. He just saw his friend struggling and tried to help.”