By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-10 13:56:29 | Updated at 2026-08-10 14:40:59
1 hour ago
A 16-year-old girl has died following a 'terrible accident' on holiday with her family in the Caribbean.
Abigail Lainton, from Swindon, was in the Dominican Republic with her parents and her two siblings when she was killed on July 30.
It is currently unclear how she died but her sister Carley and brother Bradley are also thought to have been 'badly injured'.
Abigail had recently finished her GCSEs had had attended her school prom just weeks before the accident on holiday with her parents Becky and Gary.
Her former cheerleading coach Mychael James-Dixon said she 'filled every room she was in with her warmth and smile'.
He added: 'In truth I'm struggling to find the words to do her justice, but I can say with 100 per cent certainty that anyone who knew her, loved her and life was made that much better for having known her.'
Becky Jamieson, who has set up a GoFundMe in her memory, wrote: 'On July 30, 2026, Abbie Lainton tragically lost her life in a terrible accident while on holiday in the Dominican Republic.
'Becky and Gary have lost their beautiful 16-year-old daughter, and Carley and Bradley were also badly injured in the accident.
'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.
Abigail Lainton, 16, has died following a 'terrible accident' on holiday in the Dominican Republic with her family
Abigail, pictured with her parents Becky and Gary and siblings Carley and Bradley, was involved in a fatal incident on July 30
'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.
'For Abbie. Forever 16, forever loved and never forgotten.'
Tanwood School for Performing Arts, where Abigail trained as a young girl, posted pictures of her dancing as they shared the 'heartbreaking' and 'devastating news'.
The school wrote that she 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!' it added.
Her cheerleading club Swindon Lightning said Abigail was a 'much-loved member' whose love for the sport 'touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years'.
It wrote on Instagram: 'It is with the deepest sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beautiful athlete and coach, Abbie.
Abigail's cheerleading club Swindon Lightning paid tribute to 'her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading'
'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.'
Cheerleading champion Dillon Brandt said: 'This beautiful and talented person has passed away, the dedication to be a dedicated and loving person in the world did not go unnoticed.'
The Foreign Office has been contacted for comment.
