Tributes have been paid to young girl who died after jumping into the River Tame in Warwickshire . Lillianna Tomlinson was found dead near Kingsbury Water Park on Bank Holiday Monday (May 25).
Emergency services were called to the River Tame on Bodymoor Heath Lane in Kingsbury just before 6.10pm that evening. Searches were conducted after reports a girl had got into difficulty, as previously reported by CoventryLive.
Shortly afterwards, the body of 16-year-old Lillianna was recovered. Her family said today that they are ‘completed devastated’ by her passing.
In a statement issued by Warwickshire Police, the family of Lillianna said: “ We are deeply saddened to be writing that her 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. ”
Lillianna’s tragic death comes as a t least 15 people died across the UK after getting into trouble in open water amid days of hot weather.
The Royal Life Saving Society issued a plea during the heatwave for everyone to “stop and think” before getting into the water in response to the deaths, most of whom were children.
As temperatures hit record highs for May over the bank holiday weekend, a spokesman for the RNLI said: “While the air temperature is warm, the seas are still cold and cold water shock remains a very real risk.
“With many school children enjoying half term, the lifesaving charity is urging everyone to stay safe.”
Sign up for CoventryLive newsletters to stay up to date with the latest news across Coventry and Warwickshire. Subscribers can receive morning and evening newsletters with the latest headlines from across Coventry, including Longford, Earlsdon, Tile Hill and Willenhall.
We also have a dedicated newsletter that goes out once a day for Warwickshire. Stay on top of crime in the city with a newsletter delivered every Tuesday and Thursday. Get these newsletters delivered straight to your email by clicking HERE.
Join CoventryLive on WhatsApp for the latest headlines and breaking news from across Coventry. Sign up HERE.