Teenager Abbie Walton who died after getting into difficulty in Tameside river had 'kindest soul'

A 15-year-old who died after into difficulty in a river in Tameside has been described as having the "kindest soul."

Name locally as Abbie Walton, she is the second schoolgirl to have died from the same school in water-related tragedies, less than a year apart.

Emergency service were called to the River Etherow near Hodge Lane, in Broadbottom on Wednesday, 14 June.

She died at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics, after police were called to reports of a person in difficulty in the water.

Tributes been paid to Abbie who was described as having the 'kindest soul,' who attended Copley Academy in Stalybridge.

In a message posted on social media this afternoon the school said: "Copley Academy has 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, Lucy Smith, drowned after trying to help a friend who got into difficulty at an angling pond in Stalybridge.

An inquest at Stockport Coroners' Court earlier this year heard Lucy and a group of friends went to Carrbrook Angling ponds - around six miles away from where Abbie died.

Coroner, Christopher Morris gave a conclusion of Lucy's death being a "tragic accident."

"There is little as tragic as this case before the court of a young person with their whole life ahead of them," Mr Morris said.

Another teenager, Jack Pullen, 16, from nearby Hattersley, died after getting into trouble in the same stretch of water known as Broadbottom Rocks in July 2016.

Longdendale Councillor, Jacqueline Owen, issued a warning to the community, urging all young people wanting to swim to use public pools, as she highlighted the dangers of open water swimming.

"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," she said. 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 evening, Greater Manchester Police 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'.

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