Drayton Manor closed after girl's death
Drayton Manor will remain closed today after the death of an 11 year old girl.
Last updated 16th May 2017
Evha Jannath from Leicester was on a school trip at the Staffordshire-based theme park yesterday, when she fell out of a boat on the Splash Canyon ride.
Emergency services were called at around 2.30pm. Staff pulled the girl from the water; she was airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital but died shortly after arrival.
Her family have released a statement today: "Yesterday our world was torn apart by the news that our daughter and sister Evha, had lost her life in tragic circumstances, following a school trip to Drayton Manor Park.
"Evha was a beautiful little girl who was full of love and always smiling.
"Words cannot describe the pain and loss we feel, we are devastated that we will not see our beautiful little girl again.
"We ask that you allow us to grieve in private and deal with our loss as a family."
A statement from Jameah Girls Academy in Leicester, where Evha was a Year 6 pupil, said: "As a school community, we are deeply shocked and our thoughts are with our pupil's family and friends. The school will ensure specially trained staff are in school to provide our pupils and staff support at this difficult time.
"We would request that the family and the school community are given time to grieve.
"Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is our foremost priority. We are liaising with the relevant authorities and therefore we are unable to provide any further information at this time."
Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe, of Staffordshire Police, said: “Specially-trained officers are supporting the girl’s family at this difficult time. Our thoughts are very much with her family and friends following this tragic incident.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it is making "initial inquiries along with emergency services" following the incident.
In a statement last night, Drayton Manor's company director George Bryan said they were "truly shocked and devastated'' by the death.
Bosses have confirmed today's closure: "Following today’s tragic events, Drayton Manor Theme Park will be closed on Wednesday 10th May as a mark of respect to the family."