SWINDON TEENAGER DIES IN ACCIDENT DURING DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HOLIDAY

Abbie Lainton, aged 16, from Swindon, died in an accident on 30 July whilst on holiday in the Dominican Republic with her family. Two of her siblings were badly injured in the same incident. The exact circumstances of the accident remain unconfirmed. A GoFundMe page established in her memory by family friend Becky Jamieson states that Lainton had been awaiting her GCSE results at the time.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed it is providing consular support to the Lainton family and assisting other British nationals affected by the incident, whilst remaining in contact with local Dominican authorities. Tanwood School for Performing Arts, where Lainton trained, described her as an accomplished dancer who "always performed with a huge smile". She subsequently joined Swindon Lightning Cheerleading club, where she competed internationally. The club said she was a "much-loved" member whose "kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many".

The GoFundMe appeal, set up to support the family, had raised more than £10,000 towards its £18,000 target at the time of reporting. Tanwood School for Performing Arts stated that the Lainton family had been "part of the Tanwood family for years" and offered their support during what they described as "this unimaginable time" for those close to her.