A heartbroken mum has said 'life will never be the same again' as she paid tribute to her daughter who died in a swimming tragedy.
Kirsty Madden said her daughter Erin, 15, was "capable of anything" and had her "whole life ahead of her" in an emotional tribute. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the mum shared her heartache on the St Helens Borough Council Facebook page, after the local authority warned people of the dangers of swimming in open water following Erin's death at Carr Mill Dam on Thursday, June 1.
In a comment on the council's page, Kirsty said: "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.
"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."
Following the tragedy hundreds of tributes have been paid to Erin. The teenager had been swimming with her friends in the water before it was reported that she got into difficulty.
Her friends called for help at around 12.30pm and emergency services entered the water in attempts to find her - however, tragically her body was later recovered from the water.
Hundreds of people have expressed their condolences and heartbreak online while flowers were left at the scene. 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, describing 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."
Among hundreds tributes, Lily Abbott-Potter said: "Fly high, forever 15 but will always be in your family’s hearts. You will never be forgotten Erin."
Aleesha Woods added: "Sleep tight my beautiful angel."
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."
Meanwhile 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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