Girl, 12, who died after getting into trouble in river is named
Tributes have been paid to a girl who died after going missing in a river in west Scotland.
Ava Gray, 12, had been struggling in the River Leven, near Balloch Bridge, at the foot of Loch Lomond, before she disappeared in the water around 6.45pm on Sunday. Her body was then found at 9.45pm following a search of the area and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Writing on Facebook, dance teacher Holly Douglas described Ava as a ‘dancing angel’, adding that she had been left ‘heartbroken’ by her death.
She continued: ‘Words can’t describe the way I feel. Ava we all love you so so much you will never be forgotten at Full Out you will always be part of our team and our family.
‘The world is a cruel place. Thinking of all the family right now, Ava I love you so so much.’
Another social media user added: ‘So sorry to read this thinking of you all and Ava’s family at this really difficult time. A beautiful girl taken far too soon.’
A search and rescue operation was launched to find Ava on Sunday evening, involving West Dumbartonshire Police, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Helicopters could also be seen above the village of Balloch.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said of the search: ‘Operations control mobilised two appliances and two water rescue units to the scene at Balloch Bridge.’
Police Scotland confirmed that the schoolgirl’s family have been informed of her death and said enquiries are still ongoing.
Her death is not being treated as suspicious, and a full report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal, a spokesperson said.
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