08-08-2025
Tributes paid to Ezra Tilford-Key who died while swimming at Norfolk Broads beauty spot
Tributes have been paid to a man who died after getting into difficulty in water at a beauty spot.
Ezra-Tilford-Key, who was 23, died on Tuesday evening while swimming at Horstead Mill on the Norfolk Broads.
His brother Jacob wrote on Facebook: "To anyone who knew my bestest little baby brother he passed away last night I never thought I'd ever have to say good bye Ezra.
"So please everyone who is thinking it's fun to go to the rivers always be extra careful please as this could happen to anyone. Rest in peace brother."
A GoFundMe page has been set up by a family friend Holly Sandiford. It hopes to raise £4,500 to help Ezra's family cover funeral costs.
Paying tribute to her friend, she wrote: "Ezra was a kind soul with a big heart and a truly lovely smile. Someone who brought light, warmth, and joy into the lives of those around him.
"The outpouring of love since his passing is a reflection of the impact he had on so many.
"No family is ever prepared for something like this. As his loved ones face the unimaginable pain of losing him, they are now also facing the financial weight of arranging a funeral no parent should ever have to plan."
The spot on the broads close to Horstead Mill, is popular with wild swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders, but can be dangerous due to a strong current below the sluice.
Mr Tilford-Key's death comes just a month after Nischay Patel died in the Rver Waveney in Beccles, Suffolk.
The 14-year-old, who was a pupil at the Sir John Leman High School in Beccles, had been playing with his twin brother, Niyam, and friends in but did not resurface and
