Heartbreaking new details emerge after British teen, 16, died in boat ‘explosion’
New details have emerged about a British teenager who tragically died during a family holiday to the Dominican Republic.
Abigail Lainton, 16, from Swindon, Wiltshire, was one of the passengers aboard a catamaran near to Saona Island on 27 July.
The boat, which was carrying a total of 35 people, caught fire while travelling back towards Bayahibe.
Abigail, known as Abbie, sustained first and second burns over 60 per cent of her body and passed away in hospital three days after the incident.
Advert
After the teenager's body arrived back in the UK, an inquest was told that the cause of Abbie's death was septic shock caused by septicaemia as a result of pulmonary edema.
Coroners in Wiltshire adjourned the full inquest to a date yet to be confirmed.
Of the 35 passengers on board, 23 were taken to hospital after the explosion, having suffered burns, spinal injuries and broken bones.
Two of the passengers were Abbie's siblings, who reportedly also sustained injuries. Their current conditions remain undisclosed.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help Abbie's family, which has already raised thousands in donations.
"Becky and Gary have lost their beautiful 16-year-old daughter, and Carley and Bradley were also badly injured in the accident," the page reads.
"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.
"This page has been set up to support the family through this unimaginable time."
Tributes have poured in for the much-loved teen. A heartfelt statement from Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club, where Abbie was a coach, was released after her passing.
The statement read: “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. Our thoughts, love and deepest condolences are with Abbie’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time.”
A statement has also been released by an official in the Dominican Republic, according to The Sun, who described the accident as 'very tragic'.
“It was an accident at sea and was very tragic. The young lady and her injured siblings were moved immediately to the hospital in the city of La Romana but sadly the she did not survive.
“Despite the best efforts of medical staff she did not make it. Her injured siblings are continuing to be looked after in the hospital. People are rallying around to help in any way they can. "A tragedy like this touches everyone on our island. We will offer every assistance that we can during this sorrowful time.
"Our prayers are with the family," the statement read.
Danni King