A devastated mum paid tribute to her daughter who died in a swimming tragedy.
Kirsty Madden said her 15-year-old daughter Erin was "capable of anything" and had her "whole life ahead of her" before her death in an emotional tribute posted online today. The mum shared her heartache on the St Helens Borough Council Facebook page, after the local authority warned people of the dangers of swimming in open water following Erin's death at Carr Mill Dam yesterday.
In a comment on the council's page, she said: "This dam needs draining my daughter lost her life in there yesterday. How many more times does this need to keep happening to children until something is done.
READ MORE: Warning issued after teenage girl dies in Carr Mill Dam tragedy
"My girl had her whole life ahead of her she was capable of anything and it's all been ripped away. We are all devastated beyond words and my life will never be the same again. I love you Erin with my heart and soul forever and always."
Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Erin after she died at Carr Mill Dam, in St Helens, on Thursday, June 1. She had been swimming with her friends in the water before it was reported that she got into difficulty.
Her friends called for help at around 12.30pm and emergency services entered the water in attempts to find her. Tragically Erin's body was later recovered from the water.
Flowers have been left at the scene and hundreds of people have also expressed their condolences and heartbreak online. A fundraising page sharing pictures of Erin has also been set up by Toni Ward, who posted that she was a friend of the family and described Erin as "a beautiful soul."
She said: "My friend and her family lost their beautiful daughter, granddaughter, sister and friend due to a tragic accident that should never have happened. She had the rest of her life to look forward to she was a beautiful soul inside and out she be gone but never forgotten."
Among hundreds of people posting tributes on the ECHO's Facebook page, Lily Abbott-Potter said: "Fly high, forever 15 but will always be in your family’s hearts. You will never be forgotten Erin." Another, Aleesha Woods added: "Sleep tight my beautiful angel."
A third, Olivia Sutton said: "Poor Erin, RIP. You were amazing, we're all looking up on you." Sarah Purchase commented: "Rest in paradise. My candle is burning for you an your family tonight. Forever 15 sweetheart."
Casey Jade Lane commented: "Forever be missed Erin. I miss you so much, only seen you once on the day out but you were so kind and sweet and caring your the kindest girl I have ever met. Miss you always Erin forever 15."
Donna Louise wrote: "Suddenly my nearly 15yr old daughter's messy bedroom doesn’t seem that important. Thoughts are with Erin’s family, friends and those rescue workers."
Merseyside Police Chief Inspector for St Helens Paul Holden said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm that the body of the teenage girl has been recovered from the water. Our sincere condolences go to her family and friends during this tragic time.
"I would appeal to anyone who was visiting Carr Mill Dam at around midday onwards to please get in touch so we can ascertain what happened and provide her family with answers."
READ NEXT: Virgin Media customers warned to switch off their routers
Mum who 'got on with the pain' received devastating phone call at work
Phillip Schofield's 'unforgivable' admission as he issues tell all BBC statement on affair
Merseyside's best fish and chip shops - an insider's guide
M&S shoppers praise 'comfy' £45 sandals that 'go with every summer outfit'
