Swindon teenager dies in 'terrible accident' while on holiday in Dominican Republic
A fundraising page has been for the family of 16-year-old Abbie Lainton, who coached at Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club
Tributes have been paid to a “beautiful” 16-year-old cheerleading coach who has died in an accident while on holiday in the Dominican Republic.
Abbie Lainton, from Swindon, Wiltshire, is understood to have died in a boat accident while she was away with her family.
The teenager coached athletes at the Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club and was a former pupil at Tanwood School for Performing Arts, a youth musical theatre group.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said it is providing consular support to Abbie’s family and assisting other British nationals and their families affected by the incident.
It is in contact with the local authorities.
According to a fundraising page set up to raise money for Abbie’s family, the schoolgirl died on July 30 in a “terrible accident”.
She had been enjoying the summer with her friends and was looking forward to receiving her GCSE results, the page reads.
Those who live nearby to Abbie’s family in Swindon said they have lived there for “quite some time” and have told of their shock at the news.
One neighbour told the Press Association: “It’s unbelievable. We heard about it from a friend of a friend.
“It’s extremely, extremely upsetting. They’ve not been out the house much.
“We were just aware that something wasn’t right. They’re a nice family, very nice family.”
Writing on Facebook, Tanwood School for Performing Arts shared the news of Abbie’s death and posted photos of her as a young child dressed in various dance costumes.
The school said: “Abbie joined Tanwood as a dinky dot and 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!
“Abbie took her dance training and joined Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club where she once again excelled and competed all over the world.
“Abbie’s family have been part of the Tanwood family for years, and have always offered unwavering support.
“We are all in complete shock at this heartbreaking news and send so much love and support to her family and friends at this unimaginable time. You will always be in our hearts.”
Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club paid tribute to the “beautiful athlete and coach” in a post on Instagram.
It said: “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.”
Also among those to pay tribute was cheerleading champion, and star of the Netflix docuseries Cheer, Dillon Brandt.
He wrote on Instagram: “Abbie was an amazing athlete and coach, a part of Swindon Lightning.
“This beautiful and talented person has passed away, the dedication to be a dedicated and loving person in the world did not go unnoticed.
“Please take the time to pray for her family, friends, and Swindon Lightning family during this time.”