The town of Weston-super-Mare in Somerset is united in grief following the tragic death of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who was fatally stabbed at her home just days before Christmas.
A Community in Mourning Holds Vigil
Aria Thorpe died from a single stab wound on the evening of Monday, December 15. Her shocking death has sent waves of sorrow through the local community, which came together for a poignant vigil in her memory on Thursday night. Friends, neighbours, and strangers gathered to pay their respects to the young girl, described as a "lovely" and "sassy" youngster who had celebrated her ninth birthday with a Kpop party just two weeks earlier.
Local MP Daniel Aldridge called the incident an "utterly heartbreaking tragedy." He extended his thoughts to Aria's family and friends and urged the public to respect their privacy while police investigations continue.
Overwhelming Support for Aria's Family
In the wake of the tragedy, family friend Heather Prindiville set up a JustGiving fundraiser to support Aria's mother, Victoria Hull, a single mother and military veteran. The initial goal of £10,000 was shattered within a day, with donations continuing to pour in.
Heather explained that the funds are intended to ease the immense burden on the family, covering costs such as bills, housing, and allowing them the space to heal without financial pressure. The fundraiser has now received over 1,300 donations, raising more than £27,000.
"I just want to be able to do something to ease the road ahead," Heather wrote. "Tragedy has struck in the most unimaginable way and so close to Christmas." In an update, she expressed amazement at the public's generosity, stating the family "has a whole world to rebuild."
Court Appearance Follows Heartfelt Tributes
Heather's update came just hours before a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Bristol Crown Court charged with Aria's murder. The court appearance marks a significant step in the legal proceedings following the incident in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare.
As the community seeks to process its grief and shock, the overwhelming support for Aria's family through the vigil and the fundraiser stands as a powerful testament to the town's solidarity in the face of an unthinkable loss.
