Family Says Missing Teen Was “Discarded” After Drowning in Floodwater

The family of a 19-year-old man who died after falling into floodwater in England says they were left devastated by the police response during the search for him.

Alan Hirst Disappeared on His Way Home

Alan Hirst was cycling home to Adforton, Herefordshire, in February when he is believed to have fallen from his bike into floodwater on the A4110.

His family did not initially realise he had failed to return home. When they became concerned the following day, a search began for the teenager.

His Body Was Found in a Ditch

Alan’s last mobile phone activity had been recorded near the flooded road late that night. Police were aware of the location, but a specialist search adviser decided that entering the floodwater was too dangerous.

Alan’s body was eventually discovered in a ditch beside the same road on February 8. His mother said the family were heartbroken to learn that he had been so close to the area they had been searching.

Family Questions the Search

Alan’s father, Steve, told the BBC that he felt his son had been “discarded” during the search. His mother, Hayley, said the family struggled to understand why the floodwater had not been searched earlier.

The inquest heard that there was no specialist Police Search Adviser available the following day to review the original decision.

Coroner Raises Concerns

A coroner’s report found that a shortage of specialist search officers meant important decisions were not reviewed. The report warned that unless action was taken, there could be a significant risk of future deaths.

West Mercia Police said specialist search advisers play an important role in missing-person investigations and said it was working to increase the availability of qualified officers.

A Family Remembering Their Son

Alan’s mother described him as charismatic and full of energy, saying his presence could light up a room.

The family has since called for improvements to the road and better warnings in areas that become dangerous during flooding. For them, the tragedy is not only about losing Alan, but also about wanting to prevent another family from experiencing the same pain.

Source: BBC News, October 6, 2026.