A heartbroken mum has paid tribute to her daughter who died in after getting into difficult while swimming with friends. Kirsty Madden said her 15-year-old daughter Erin was "capable of anything" and had her "whole life ahead of her" before her death in an emotional tribute posted online today.
The teenager died after swimming with friends at Carr Mill Dam yesterday. Following the incident St Helens Borough Council warned people of the dangers of swimming in open water.
Erin’s mum has now shared her heartache in a comment on the council’s page, the Liverpool Echo reports. She wrote: "This dam needs draining my daughter lost her life in there yesterday. How many more times does this need to keep happening to children until something is done.
READ MORE: Council issues warning as tributes left to teenager who died in Car Mill Dam
"My girl had her whole life ahead of her she was capable of anything and it's all been ripped away. We are all devastated beyond words and my life will never be the same again. I love you Erin with my heart and soul forever and always."
Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Erin after she died at Carr Mill Dam, in St Helens, on Thursday, June 1. She had been swimming with her friends in the water before it was reported that she got into difficulty.
At around 12.30pm her friends called for help and emergency services entered the water in attempts to find her. Tragically Erin's body was later recovered from the water.
Flowers have been left at the scene and hundreds of people have also expressed their condolences and heartbreak online. A fundraising page sharing pictures of Erin has also been set up by Toni Ward, who posted that she was a friend of the family and described Erin as "a beautiful soul."
She said: "My friend and her family lost their beautiful daughter, granddaughter, sister and friend due to a tragic accident that should never have happened. She had the rest of her life to look forward to she was a beautiful soul inside and out she be gone but never forgotten."
Hundreds of tributes have been shared on the Liverpool Echo’s Facebook page. Among them, Lily Abbott-Potter said: "Fly high, forever 15 but will always be in your family’s hearts. You will never be forgotten Erin." Another, Aleesha Woods added: "Sleep tight my beautiful angel."
A third, Olivia Sutton said: "Poor Erin, RIP. You were amazing, we're all looking up on you." Sarah Purchase commented: "Rest in paradise. My candle is burning for you an your family tonight. Forever 15 sweetheart."
Casey Jade Lane commented: "Forever be missed Erin. I miss you so much, only seen you once on the day out but you were so kind and sweet and caring your the kindest girl I have ever met. Miss you always Erin forever 15."
Donna Louise wrote: "Suddenly my nearly 15yr old daughter's messy bedroom doesn’t seem that important. Thoughts are with Erin’s family, friends and those rescue workers."
Merseyside Police Chief Inspector for St Helens Paul Holden said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm that the body of the teenage girl has been recovered from the water. Our sincere condolences go to her family and friends during this tragic time.
"I would appeal to anyone who was visiting Carr Mill Dam at around midday onwards to please get in touch so we can ascertain what happened and provide her family with answers."
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