Police have named the teenage girl who died following a fatal speedboat incident in Brixham yesterday.
Emily Gardner, 14, from the Gloucester area, was trapped underneath a small speedboat, after it overturned, with three other people on board, just outside Brixham Harbour.
The group were on holiday in Devon at the time of the incident, and Emily was with a friend’s family.
The three others on board were taken to shore by jet skis before lifeboat crews arrived. They were taken to hospital by ambulance with minor injuries and have since been discharged.
Emily was taken to Torbay Hospital by ambulance in a critical condition but was pronounced dead a short time later.
In a statement released by Devon and Cornwall police, her family paid tribute to her:
“Our beautiful Emily was a caring loving, gentle daughter and sister. She was full of life and had the world ahead of her. She was our diamond, now shining bright in the sky.
“She will be missed and forever in our hearts.”
Detective Sergeant Andy Turner, deputy Senior Investigating Officer, based in Torquay, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends who are affected by this tragic incident.
“I would like to thank the public and the emergency services for their assistance in getting the casualties to hospital swiftly.
“Enquiries are ongoing and we are keen to speak to any witnesses who have not already come forward.”
Witnesses are asked to email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk or call police on 101, quoting log 326 of 2 May.
