A 16-year-old British schoolgirl has died in a "terrible accident" while on a family holiday in the Caribbean. Abbie Lainton, from Swindon, died on July 30 while visiting the Dominican Republic with her parents and two siblings. Her sister Carley and brother Bradley were left "badly injured" in the incident. The circumstances of how the siblings got into danger are currently unclear.
Tributes pour in for young cheerleader
Emotional tributes have been paid to Abbie, who was a cheerleader and coach at Swindon Lightning Cheerleading club. She was expecting her GCSE results and "had her whole life ahead of her", according to family friend Becky Jamieson.
Jamieson said: "She was so loved. She should have been enjoying the summer with her friends and looking forward to receiving her GCSE results. She was so loved by her family, friends and everyone who knew her. For Abbie, forever 16, forever loved and never forgotten."
Fundraiser and school tribute
A GoFundMe page set up to help the family has raised nearly £10,000 so far. Abbie's former school, Tanwood School for Performing Arts, also paid tribute, saying she "will always be in our hearts".
The school 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."
Cheerleading community mourns
Swindon Lightning Cheerleading club shared a post on Instagram, 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."
Abbie's cheer coach Mychael James-Dixon also paid tribute, saying: "Abbie was an incredible young person, who filled every room she was in with her warmth and smile. I am still in shock and completely devastated to hear of her passing. In truth I'm struggling to find the words to do her justice, but I can say with 100 per cent certainty that anyone who knew her, loved her and life was made that much better for having known her."
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been contacted for comment.
