Tributes pile high at 'Kenzie's Bridge' in wake of 11-year-old boy's tragic drowning (cloned)
He had been playing with friends at the embankment called "Pebble Beach"
Hundreds have signed a petition to rename a bridge in memory of 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift.
The youngster’s body was found in the water near Mexborough on June 2 after a huge search operation by emergency services.
He was seen entering the water at the bottom of the Ferry Boat Wharf footbridge on May 31, but never re-emerged.
Read and sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/rename-ferry-boat-wharf-footbridge-to-kenzie-s-bridge
‘Knock at the door’
His mother, Suzie Gough, 49, was at home watching TV when police officers knocked on her door on May 30 and explained her 11-year-old son Mackenzie Swift - known as Kenzie - was missing.
He had been playing with friends at the embankment, called "Pebble Beach", when he decided to get into the water despite not being able to swim.
Mackenzie's dad Michael Swift, 46, ran a mile down to the river to find the area swarming with police, with Kenzie's t-shirt and trainers by the river bank.
Mum Suzie’s last words to him were: “Don't go too far - I need you back home in an hour."
Suzie and her family are now petitioning Doncaster City Council to have Ferry Boat Wharf Footbridge renamed to 'Kenzie's Bridge' in his memory.
She said: "He was a real mummy's boy, I loved his smile and laugh.
"He was sensitive and sweet.
"He loved playing on his Xbox, and was also very active - he loved playing out with his friends.
"That day he went to the river was the first time he had ever gone without an adult.
"I had no idea he had gone there, I was watching TV inside with my other son and baby grandson.
"He never ventured as far before as he was only allowed to stay on my street or the one over, as that was where his friends lived.
"The bridge being renamed will not only be a tribute, but a reminder to parents and children of the dangers of open water."
Following his death, the bridge has been awash with yellow tributes - Mackenzie's favourite colour - to the schoolboy.
Dozens of flowers, ribbons, photos, and teddy bears have been placed in his memory.
Suzie said her family came up with the idea to change its name while placing the tributes on the bridge.
She said: "It became a sort of nickname for the bridge.
"We would say to each other, 'are you coming to Kenzie's bridge' for instance.
"It just felt right to call it that."
Mackenzie's auntie Bryonie Whittington, 33, has said renaming the bridge is a way of keeping her nephew's name alive.
She said: "This memorial will provide a place where people can come to remember Mackenzie, reflect, and celebrate the happiness he brought to everyone.
"It will be a symbol of the light he brought into our lives, ensuring his spirit continues to shine brightly within our community.
"Renaming the Ferry Boat Wharf Footbridge and establishing a memorial in Mackenzie's name will not only commemorate his life but also offer support and strength to everyone who loved him.
"Mackenzie was such a lovely boy, full of life, always smiling, always laughing, and always bringing joy to those around him.
"We believe that these gestures will bring some solace to our grieving hearts and help keep his memory alive in the town."
The schoolboy - who was in Year 6 at the time of his death - was one of 13 children and six adults who drowned during the last week of May.