A DEVASTATED family have shared a heart-wrenching tribute to their daughter, 15, who has died after going missing while playing next to a river.
Holli Smallman tragically lost her life while playing on the banks in the River Severn, at Welshpool, mid-Wales, on Friday.
Floral tributes have been left on a bridge near the scene, in the Leighton Road area of Welshpool.
In a statement shared by Dyfed-Powys Police, the family said: “We wish to express how heartbroken we are by the tragic passing of our loving and caring girl Holli.
“The overwhelming grief and heartache devastates us all.
“Holli was a beloved sister, daughter, granddaughter and was so well loved by all of her family, extended family and friends.
“Holli was fun-loving and lived a life full of song and dancing, had an infectious joy for life and her positive and lovable cheeky nature made an impact on everyone she ever met.”
The heartbroken family shared how Holli was a popular pupil at Welshpool High School.
She particularly enjoyed art, being creative and formed a “strong bond” with her friendship group.
The teen also showed a talent for make-up, which she planned to continue doing after leaving school.
“Holli was also a popular member of the Welshpool Army Cadets, having joined last year with her friendship group and took to it well,” the tribute continued.
“Holli learned new life skills and she was maturing into a beautiful young and rounded person and was extremely supportive and caring to her siblings and family who meant the world to her.
“Holli has been taken from us at far too young an age.
“She had her whole life ahead of her and there will be a hole in our lives that will never heal, and we will never forget the amazing person that Holli was.
“She loved her family, and she loved her friends and showed that every day.”
The family added how they are “overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and kindness”.
“We also want to express our heartfelt thank you to all of the emergency services and rescue teams who did all they could to help Holli on that evening and the NHS staff at Telford who have been so supportive,” the statement continued.
“We are so heartbroken and would never want any other family to go through the pain that we are going through.
“The dangers of water have been brought home in a way that no one can imagine and we plead with children and parents to take the upmost care when near open water.
“We respectfully ask as a family for time and privacy as we come to deal with the loss of our dear and beautiful Holli.”
Town councillor Alison Davies, who is also a governor at Welshpool High School, said previously: “On behalf of all the governors, we’re very, very saddened by this news.
“We’re devastated obviously for Holli and her family, and her wider family and friends.
“It’s tragic; I say that as mother and grandmother. The loss of a child is always tragic, but this was a very sad accident when a group of teens were playing in a river.
“People have known her and her family for a long time. Things will never be the same to those whom she was close.
“In small communities like this it really does hit a bit harder because everybody is probably closer.”
Councillor Davies added: “The governing body and town will support the family as much as they can, if the time arises that they need our help.”
The Severn, at 220-miles long, is the longest river in Great Britain.
