Tributes paid to 'beautiful angel' after river tragedy as thousands raised in her memory

Tributes have been paid to a 'bubbly' teenager who died after being pulled from a river as thousands of pounds have been raised for her funeral. Abbie Walton was pulled from the River Etherow in Broadbottom, Tameside, last Wednesday evening (June 14).

Friends of the 15-year-old Copley Academy student left flowers and balloons for her at the scene last week. A GoFundMe page has since been set up by Abbie's family to help cover the cost of her funeral.

More than £3,300 has been raised so far from over 120 donations. In a heartfelt tribute posted on the GoFundMe page, Abbie's sister Nicola described her as 'our little butterfly' who was 'always dancing and singing'.

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She wrote: "We appreciate everyone’s condolences at this very sad time. We can’t get our heads around not being able to see her.

"Abbie was a massive soul in everyone’s lives, family, friends and even the community. She was so bubbly, loud, funny and always put a smile on our faces when she walked into the room."

Some of those who have donated to the GoFundMe have posted their own tributes to Abbie and messages of support for the family. One person wrote: "A beautiful angel has been taken far too soon."

Another added: "Rest In peace beautiful girl."

The tragedy follows another in the same area seven years ago.

Jack Pullen, 16, died after getting into trouble at Broadbottom Rocks in July 2016. Abbie is the second Copley Academy pupil to die after getting into difficulty in water in the past year, following Lucy Smith in Stalybridge on August 15, 2022.

Following Abbie's death, Greater Manchester Police in Tameside reminded people of the dangers of open water. A spokesperson said: