A grieving family have paid heartfelt tributes to a 'beautiful', 'bubbly' and 'polite' girl who died after getting into difficulty in water near the River Etherow in Broadbottom.
Abbie Walton, a student at Copley Academy in Stalybridge, tragically lost her life on Wednesday 14 June.
The 15-year-old is remembered by her large family who loved her immensely, describing her as the 'personality' of the family.
In a statement released by police, Abbie's eldest sister Kylie said: "Abbie was always smiling and rarely upset. She’d get so excited to see us and come bouncing through the door to give me and my sons a massive cuddle. She was very close with our family, especially our mum.
“Abbie was such a bubbly and polite girl. Truly beautiful inside and out.
“She was always dancing and making videos for TikTok.”
'Loud, sassy and always dancing'
Abbie’s older sisters Claire and Nicola jointly recall: “Abbie would race around in flip flops to see us and say ‘hay girl’ that was her favourite catchphrase.
“She lit up the room when she walked in and whenever a room went quiet, she would let out a random noise and make everyone laugh.
“Abbie was loud, sassy, and always dancing. She loved TikTok and to look her best with fake tan and butterfly lashes.”
Abbie’s older brother Daniel said: “Abbie was so lively; she was definitely the ‘personality’ in the family.
“We used to wind each other up all the time. She was a funny person and didn’t care what anyone thought about her.
“She was close with our family and popular in school. Abbie was looking forward to prom more than anything. That’s all she would talk about.”
Abbie Walton died after getting into difficulty in water in Broadbottom
Donations to Abbie's funeral
A GoFundMe page, set up in her memory to help the family with funeral costs, has already received more than £3,600 in donations.
Abbie’s older sister Nicola states on the fundraising page: “We appreciate everyone’s condolences at this very sad time. Abbie was a massive soul in everyone’s lives, family, friends and even the community.
“She was so bubbly, loud, funny and always put a smile on our faces when she walked into the room. Always dancing, singing... everyone that knew Abbie loved her so very much and will miss her dearly.
“We’re asking if anyone would be willing to put in some donations to help towards Abbie’s funeral. The smallest of donations will be a massive help and the family would be so grateful.”
Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ha6jru-abbies-funeral
Following the news of Abbie’s death, Copley Academy stated: “We have been aware of the tragic news that one of our students lost their life. Copley would like to offer our support and also the support of a specialist team.
“To access this support or if you just need anything else at this time please let us know.”
Students and friends have placed flowers at the scene and also staged a balloon release vigil.
Police issue water safety advice
Police are urging all parents to speak with their children regarding water safety following the tragedy.
People are urged to keep out of all rivers, ponds, reservoirs, canals and any other areas of water and to pass this message on to young people.
Areas of water can be tempting during prolonged periods of dry and warm weather, but the risks of injury and death in open water are very real.
Police offer the following advice:
• Never jump into or swim in open water (including reservoirs, rivers, canals and ponds). Cold Water Shock can kill in 60 seconds, you never know what’s lurking beneath the surface, and under-water currents can be deadly.
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you are coming back, if possible
• Take warning or safety signs seriously
• Look out for hazards around water and stick to proper pathways
• Never enter the water to rescue your dog - who will rescue you?
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