Abbie Lainton, a 16-year-old from Swindon, has died and her siblings Carley and Bradley were left badly injured in what has been described as a “terrible accident” while the family were on holiday in the Dominican Republic, with tributes pouring in from her school, dance group and cheerleading club.
A British teenager has died in a “terrible accident” while on a family holiday in the Dominican Republic, which also left her two siblings badly injured. Abbie Lainton, 16, from Swindon, died on 30 July, with her sister Carley and brother Bradley both seriously hurt in the same incident. The exact circumstances of how the siblings came to harm have not been made public, and local authorities have not released details explaining how the tragedy unfolded. Tributes have since poured in from her school, dance group and cheerleading club, describing her as a bright and much-loved young woman.
Tributes from family and friends
Family friend Becky Jamieson paid tribute to Abbie in an emotional statement, describing her as a “beautiful” young girl who was loved by everyone who knew her. She said: “Abbie had her whole life ahead of her. She should have been enjoying the summer with her friends and looking forward to receiving her GCSE results. She was so loved by her family, friends and everyone who knew her.” She added: “For Abbie, forever 16, forever loved and never forgotten.”
Abbie had been due to receive her GCSE results later this month, with friends saying she had been looking forward to the next stage of her education.
Tributes from her school
Abbie’s former school, Tanwood School for Performing Arts, where she trained in dance from a young age, also paid tribute to her in a statement. A spokesperson said: “Abbie joined Tanwood as a dinky dot and was part of an exceptional group of dancers who formed strong friendships which spilled over to the audience when they performed together. She always performed with a huge smile, and those beautiful feet.” The statement continued: “We are all in complete shock at this heartbreaking news and send so much love and support to her family and friends at this unimaginable time. You will always be in our hearts.”
Cheerleading club pays tribute
Abbie later joined Swindon Lightning Cheerleading, where she competed both nationally and internationally, becoming a well-known member of the club. Coaches and teammates have since described her as kind, encouraging and dedicated, saying she regularly supported younger athletes within the club.
A spokesperson for Swindon Lightning Cheerleading said: “There are simply no words that feel enough. Abbie was a much-loved member of our Swindon Lightning family. Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years. She brought so much light to our gym, and her loss has left us all heartbroken.” The club has invited members of the community to come together to remember Abbie and celebrate her life by sharing memories.
Community support and fundraising
A GoFundMe page was launched by family friends to support Abbie’s family with immediate costs, including medical expenses for her injured siblings and the costs associated with bringing Abbie’s body home to the UK. The appeal has already received more than £5,000 in donations. Friends have also shared photographs and messages across social media in tribute to Abbie, remembering her as someone who was always smiling.
The tragedy has prompted a significant outpouring of support from the wider Swindon community, with fundraising efforts and messages of condolence continuing to grow in the days since Abbie’s death.
Consular support
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) routinely provides consular assistance to British nationals and their families following deaths or serious incidents overseas, including helping families liaise with local authorities and arranging repatriation where appropriate.
