A VULNERABLE 16-year-old boy died after entering the sea during a family holiday, in what a coroner described as a moment of “excitement about going into the sea."
Athrun Domenic Lombardo, of Pinkers Mead, Emersons Green, Bristol, was visiting West Shore Beach with his father, Dean Lombardo, and his brother on May 10, 2025, when he headed into the water and was later reported missing.
He was last seen wearing blue swimming shorts.
The resumption of the inquest at County Hall, Ruthin, on May 5 2026 - which had previously been opened in June 2025 - heard that Athrun had been in generally good spirits during the family holiday in Llandudno and was looking forward to spending time at the beach.
Recording a conclusion of misadventure, John Gittins, His Majesty’s Senior Coroner for North Wales (East and Central), told the hearing: “Excitement of going into this sea on this family holiday, not his intention to harm himself, but the unintended consequence is what occurred."
Athrun’s body was recovered on May 14 2025 at Conwy RNLI Lifeboat Station at the Quay in Conwy following a huge land, sea and air search.
His mother, Catherine Lombardo, said in a statement that Athrun had various developmental and mental health conditions, including autism, dyspraxia, depression and misophonia. He was on prescription medication and receiving CAMHS support.
The court hear that the student suffered a third mental health crisis after three years of stability around his 16th birthday.
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His mental health remained precarious, however the teenager enjoyed travel and the family said it generally “improved his mood”.
He had asked his mother to find him a private therapist and a CD to help him be “happy more often”.
Prior to the holiday to Llandudno, Athrun’s mental health had improved.
Athrun packed his suitcase on May 8 and was keen to include items for the seven-day trip from May 9.
He had, however, developed an obsession with artificial intelligence and was unhappy that his parents were monitoring his screen time.
The hearing heard that Athrun was pleased that when visiting ASDA in Llandudno, they had the large rectangular pepperoni pizza, and that he liked the holiday home his family had chosen as well as sleeping downstairs.
Mrs Lombardo said her son was looking forward to going to the beach and “eating an ice-cream afterwards”.
She said he led a “challenging life” but was supported by both parents, and that he seemed to be planning for his intermediate future.
There had been no warning she would not see him again that day.
In a statement, Mr Lombardo said: “On Saturday, May 10 (2025) at about 2.10pm I was on the beach on West Shore opposite the play park with my two sons. I chose the location for Athrun's benefit as it was quieter than the rest of the beach.”
After applying sun cream, he said he pointed towards the water and told Athrun he could “go down there”.
Mr Lombardo then concentrated on his other son, applying sun cream to his skin.
He too headed to the water to join his brother, but the boy became upset as he could not see Athrun.
“My vision is quite poor,” Mr Lombardo said.
Athrun’s brother went for a second look.
Mr Lombardo said: “Athrun is allowed time to wander around to help with his independence.
“I continued to play with my son to build sandcastles.
“At about 3.30pm, I became worried as I hadn't seen him [Athrun].”
Athrun’s brother again looked along the water. Mr Lombardo contacted his wife, who arrived at about 4.10pm.
The son and father walked towards the Orme and searched the beach walkway and opposite side, but they could not locate Athrun and Mrs Lombardo contacted the police.
The inquest heard Athrun did not have shoes on and “does not like walking without shoes unless on the sand”. He was also sensitive to low tones such as dogs barking.
Mrs Lombardo said: “On that morning he said ‘could I see the sea’. I watched him from the window and he was back within five minutes.
“He asked when he could go to the beach. This is quite common as we don’t live near the sea.
“I said ‘about 2pm’ and that his daddy would take him.
“He was in a good mood.”
She said the family had eaten lunch together with grandparents before the beach trip.
The inquest heard Athrun had been under CAMHS care since 2019, with a referral in October 2018. A reference was made to an incident in November 2024 when Athrun had attempted to bathe in cold water to try and develop hypothermia.
At an appointment with a child psychiatrist on May 2, he was said to be in a better mood and denied any risk to himself or others, with “no concerns” identified.
Police Constable Sophie Hatton said Athrun was treated as a high-risk missing person due to his vulnerabilities.
A coastguard report by Lawrence Ramsay detailed what was believed to be a sighting on May 13 of a boy in blue shorts at North Breakwater, Llandudno.
Recovery of Athrun’s body did not take place until the afternoon of May 14, when Conwy Lifeboat confirmed recovery at 5.19pm.
Home Office pathologist Dr Jonathan Medcalf said it was “reasonable to conclude the cause of death” was drowning, which was confirmed by post-mortem examination.
Mr Gittins said that although Athrun had initiated acts of self-harm in the past, there was no evidence to support this was a “deliberate act on Athrun’s part with a view to harm himself.”
“Nothing in this instance with the evidence heard,” Mr Gittins added.
Addressing the family, he added: “My condolences of the loss of your son.
“What is very clear is the effort and support that was being provided by you and your family.
“You have my very very sincere condolences.”
Anyone struggling with their mental health should call the Samaritans on 116 123 for free, 24/7, confidential support. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, call 999.
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