Abbie Lainton, a 16-year-old cheerleader from Swindon, England, died after a boat accident during a family holiday in the Dominican Republic. The teenager was waiting for her GCSE results and was known for her work in cheerleading and performing arts. Her siblings, Carley and Bradley, were also badly injured. A fundraiser for the family has raised £22,733, while friends, teachers and teammates have shared tributes remembering Abbie’s bright personality.
Who was Abbie Lainton, the 16-year-old cheerleader from Swindon?
Abbie was a member and cheer coach at Swindon Lightning, where she became a familiar face to athletes, coaches and families. The team remembered her as someone who brought energy and kindness to the gym, while also encouraging younger athletes around her.Her love of performing started much earlier. Tanwood School for Performing Arts in Swindon said Abbie joined the school when she was very young and became part of a close group of dancers. The school remembered how she performed with a big smile and later went on to compete around the world with Swindon Lightning.At the time of her death, Abbie was waiting for her GCSE results. Her family fundraiser said she should have been spending the summer with friends and preparing to receive those results, making the loss especially painful for those who knew her.
What happened to Abbie Lainton in the Dominican Republic?
Reports from The Times and The Sun say the boat incident happened on July 27 during a trip to Saona Island. A fire broke out on the vessel after an explosion, leaving several passengers injured. Abbie was taken to hospital but died three days later, on July 30. Her two siblings were also badly injured.There is some difference in how the date has been reported. The family’s GoFundMe describes July 30 as the day Abbie lost her life, while The Times reports that the boat accident happened on July 27 and that she died three days later. The exact cause and full circumstances of the incident have not been independently confirmed.The fundraiser, set up to support Abbie’s family, had collected £22,733, or about $30,744, according to PEOPLE. Her cheer team also planned a gathering at its gym on August 9, with athletes invited to share memories and celebrate Abbie’s life.The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was providing consular support to the Lainton family and other British nationals affected by the incident.