A community has been left devastated once again after two girls from same school tragically died in water-related incidents in less than a year.
Abbie Walton got into difficulty in the River Etherow near Hodge Lane in Broadbottom, Tameside on Wednesday night (June 14). Emergency services attended, but despite the best efforts of paramedics, the 15-year-old was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Heartbroken friends and family have since paid tribute to the Copley Academy pupil, who has been described as the 'kindest soul', Manchester Evening News reports.
In a message shared to social media this afternoon, the Staybridge school said: "Copley Academy have been made aware of the tragic news that one of our students lost their life last night. We offer our deepest sympathy to all of those involved in this tragedy.
"Our hearts and thoughts go out to the families, loved ones, friends and local communities affected at this extremely sad time. Copley would like to offer our support and also the support of a specialist team."
Abbie's death comes less than a year after another student at the school, Lucy Smith, drowned after trying to save a friend who got into difficulty. The teen was with a group of pals at Carrbrook Angling ponds - located just six miles from where Abbie died - on August 15 last year when the 'tragic accident' occurred.
During an inquest at Stockport Coroners' Court, Detective Inspector Steven Horton from GMP said that it had been a particularly hot day. To cool off, the group decided to go for a dip in the pond, but things 'very suddenly' took a turn for the worst.
"They were playing and dancing in the water and everyone was in good spirits. Phone footage taken at the time all supports that they were in the water having a good time."
He added that the tone of the video quickly shifts and abruptly ends after the group noticed that someone is in difficulty in the water.
"They were all playing in the water when one of her friends got into difficulty and Lucy had gone to try and assist her," DI Horton previously told the inquest. "As she was trying to help she got into trouble and her friends tried to help her but she had gone under the water and didn't surface."
Coroner, Christopher Morris ruled Lucy's death as a "tragic accident." He said: "There is little as tragic as this case before the court of a young person with their whole life ahead of them."
In a statement issued following Ms Smith's death, Copley Academy said: "Copley Academy are aware of the devastating news that a young member of our academy community sadly lost their life after getting into difficulty in open water on Monday evening. We want to offer our deepest sympathy to all of those involved in this tragedy.
"Our hearts and thoughts go out to the families, friends and local community at this extremely sad time. We would like to offer support and the support of a specialist team. To access this support or if you need anything else please let us know."
Residents in the village of Broadbottom spoke of their shock earlier today after it emerged that Miss Walton is the second youngster to die in that section of the river in less than a decade. In July 2016, Jack Pullen, 16, from nearby Hattersley, died after getting into trouble in the same area of water known as Broadbottom Rocks.
Longdendale Councillor, Jacqueline Owen, issued a warning to the community which highlighted the dangers of open water swimming and urged young people 'wanting to swim' to use public pools
"On behalf of the Longdendale Ward Councillors, I would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends and the whole Broadbottom community, following the tragic incident yesterday evening. We are all shocked to hear about this terrible loss.
"Sadly, this is not the first death of a young person in the River Etherow. We would use all young people wanting to swim to use public pools; as open water swimming can be very hazardous."
In an update on Wednesday night, GMP said they were not treating Miss Walton's death as suspicious. They added that officers are continuing to support the family during this 'incredibly difficult time.'
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
