The family of a 16-year-old girl who tragically died after getting into difficulty in a Warwickshire river during last week’s heatwave has expressed gratitude to the local community for their overwhelming support.
Lillianna Tomlinson, 16, was recovered from the River Tame, close to Kingsbury Water Park, on Monday, May 25, following an hour-long search operation. Emergency services had been alerted shortly before 6.10pm that evening after reports of a girl in distress in the water.
Warwickshire Police confirmed that specially trained officers are continuing to provide support to Lillianna’s grieving family.
In a statement released through police, her relatives said: “We’re deeply saddened to be writing that Lillianna’s life has been taken in the most tragic way.
“Our family is completely devastated and will be forever heartbroken.
“We would like to take a moment to sincerely thank our community for the love, compassion and support that has been shown to us, and for sharing in our grief – it means more than words can express.
“During this incredibly difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we come to terms with what has happened”.
At least 15 people have died in open water during a heatwave and hot weather across the UK.
The Royal Life Saving Society urged people to “stop and think” before getting into the water in response to the deaths, most of whom were children.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned of the increased risk of cold water shock, which is the body’s natural physical reaction to sudden immersion in cold water.
The response is immediate and can lead to drowning, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said. Anyone who suddenly enters cold water is at risk, especially if they accidentally fall in or jump in. Cold water shock can affect anyone regardless of swimming ability.
