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A 16-year-old girl from Swindon has died in a “terrible accident” while on holiday in the Dominican Republic, friends of the family have said.
Abbie Lainton was on a trip to the Caribbean island during the summer holidays and awaiting her GCSE results when the fatal incident took place, according to a GoFundMe page set up by a family friend in her memory.
Two of her siblings were also said to have been “badly injured” in the accident on 30 July. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be confirmed.
“Abbie had her whole life ahead of her,” the page’s author Becky Jamieson wrote. “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.”
The appeal has so far raised more than £10,000 towards an £18,000 target.
A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “Our thoughts are with the Lainton family during this difficult time.
“We are providing consular support to the family and assisting other British nationals and their families affected by the incident. We are in contact with the local authorities.”
Abbie was an avid dancer and cheerleader, with Tanwood School for Performing Arts releasing a statement calling her a “dinky dot” who “”always performed with a huge smile”.
“Abbie took her dance training and joined Swindon Lightning Cheerleading club where she once again excelled and competed all over the world,” the statement said.
“Abbie’s family have been part of the Tanwood family for years, and have always offered unwavering support.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.”
Abbie was an avid dancer with an ‘infectious smile’, according to those who knew her (GoFundMe)
Members of the Swindon Lightning Club said that Abbie was a “much-loved” member of the group.
“Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years,” a spokesperson said. “She brought so much light to our gym, and her loss has left us all heartbroken.”
Tributes poured in through the comments of statements shared on social media with one person writing that they were left “shocked to the core” by the news.
Her cheer coach Mychael James-Dixon added: “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.”