Parents Pay Tribute To 'Always Smiling' Victim Of Drayton Manor Incident

Earlier today Evha Jannath was named as the 11-year-old schoolgirl who tragically died after falling from a ride at Drayton Manor theme park yesterday.

Following emergency services arriving at the scene, Evha was flown to Birmingham Children's Hospital where she received further treatment, but it was later announced that she had succumbed to her injuries.

Now, her parents have paid tribute to their daughter, claiming their world has been 'torn apart'.

Credit: Caters

Credit: Caters

"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."

Evha had been enjoying a trip to the Staffordshire theme park with school friends - four of them were on board the water-based Splash Canyon ride when she fell, after trying to move seats. A group of teachers from the school trip were in the carriage behind.

One eyewitness told the Mail Online: "My daughter said there was four other girls on the same boat with the girl and the teacher's boat was behind the girls.

"When the girl got up to change seats, just then it hit a rock and she got kicked out of the boat and fell in the water, and the water currents dragged her in.

"For that reason they couldn't see her after she fell in."

The Splash Canyon ride does not have seat belts but advises riders to stay seated and hold on a circular rail in the centre.

Credit: SWNS

Credit: SWNS

George Bryan, the director of the theme park, said yesterday that he was "truly shocked and devastated" by the schoolgirl's death.

He added: "Further to the police statement which has been issued... it is with great sadness that we have to report that a young girl has passed away at Birmingham Children's Hospital following an incident at one of our rides this afternoon."

The theme park has remained closed today in respect of the young girl who died.

Further details will emerge as The Health And Safety Executive continue their investigation.

Source: Mail Online, The Mirror and The Telegraph

Featured Image Credit: Caters / SWNS

Michael Minay

Mike Minay is a trending journalist at LADbible. He’s co-ordinated interviews with some of the big names from the world of news and sport including ITV’s Robert Peston, Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling and darts champion Michael van Gerwen. His reporting days began on University radio in Birmingham, before moving to BBC Sport Online – creating content for large events such as Wimbledon and the FA Cup final. Mike still commentates on Football League matches at the weekend. A Manchester LAD at heart.

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