North Yorkshire Police have thanked members of the public who attempted to rescue a 13-year-old girl from the River Wharfe near Burnsall, Skipton, on Sunday evening. Despite their efforts, the teenager died in hospital after being airlifted from the water.
Emergency services were called at around 6.30pm on 31 May 2026 following reports of a missing girl in the river. She was rescued shortly after and taken to hospital by air ambulance, but later died.
A police spokesperson said: 'Despite the efforts of members of the public at the scene and medical staff at the scene and in hospital, she sadly died. Our thoughts remain with her family at this very distressing time.'
The tragedy is the 17th reported open-water death in the UK during the recent heatwave. Police have asked the public and media to respect the family's privacy.
