A British teenager has died in an accident while on a family holiday in the Dominican Republic, leaving her two siblings seriously injured. Abbie Lainton, 16, from Swindon, died on July 30, just weeks before she was due to receive her GCSE results.
Tributes from cheerleading club and school
Abbie was a successful cheerleader and a member of Swindon Lightning Cheerleading club, competing in events worldwide. The club paid tribute, saying: "There are simply no words that feel enough. Abbie was a much-loved member of our Swindon Lightning family. Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years."
Her former school, Tanwood School for Performing Arts, also honoured her memory. A spokesperson said: "Abbie joined Tanwood as a dinky dot and was part of an exceptional group of dancers who formed strong friendships which spilled over to the audience when they performed together. She always performed with a huge smile, and those beautiful feet. We are all in complete shock at this heartbreaking news and send so much love and support to her family and friends at this unimaginable time. You will always be in our hearts."
Fundraiser launched for family
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family. Becky Jamieson, who created the page, described Abbie as someone loved by everyone who knew her. The page reads: "On July 30, 2026, Abbie Lainton tragically lost her life in a terrible accident while on holiday in the Dominican Republic. Becky and Gary have lost their beautiful 16-year-old daughter, and Carley and Bradley were also badly injured in the accident. Abbie had her whole life ahead of her. She should have been enjoying the summer with her friends and looking forward to receiving her GCSE results."
The details of the accident have not been made public. The fundraiser concluded: "Forever 16, forever loved and never forgotten."
