The mother of a Ukrainian teenager who died after being found unconscious on a beach in South Devon has said “nothing can ever replace her”.
Devon and Cornwall police named the 14-year-old refugee as Albina Yevko, a Ukrainian national who was living near Dawlish on the south coast.
While the death remains unexplained, police have said they are not treating it as suspicious.
In a short statement, Albina’s mother, Inna Yevko, paid tribute to her daughter. “Myself and my family are devastated to have lost our beautiful Albina,” she said.
“Nothing can ever replace her in our hearts. We ask that our privacy is respected at this incredibly painful time.”
Officers were called on Saturday evening with reports of a 14-year-old girl missing from the Dawlish area.
Searches took place with support from the police helicopter and coastguard and Albina was found unconscious on Dawlish Beach.
She was airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital, where she later died.
DI Becky Davies said: “Our investigation continues as we try to piece together Albina’s final hours. Officers continue to undertake door-to-door enquiries as we try to identify any witnesses or CCTV footage that capture Albina’s movements.
“Whilst this death remains unexplained, we are not currently treating this death as suspicious.
“We await the results of the forensic postmortem due to take place on Thursday, but in the meantime we ask that the family and loved ones of Albina are given space and privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
“Our thoughts are very much with those who knew Albina at this tragic time, and the close-knit Dawlish community who will no doubt be in shock over this loss.”
Albina’s death has had a profound impact in the community, where people were active in organising accommodation for families who fled the war in Ukraine, as well as raising money to support those still in the country.
A week ago, the Ukrainian flag was raised in Dawlish to recognise one year since Russia’s invasion. Dozens of visas were issued last year so that Ukrainians could stay with residents of the Dawlish and Teignmouth area as part of the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The police have asked anyone with any information or who may have CCTV or doorbell footage that can assist officers with the investigation to contact 101@dc.police.uk quoting case reference 50230052081.
