Nationwide — Kaliyah Coa, an 11-year-old Black girl from the UK, has been confirmed dead after falling into a river on March 31. Her body was found nearly two weeks later, on April 13.According to My London, Kaliyah had the day off from school due to an inset day and was at a birthday party in North Woolwich when she fell into the River Thames near Barge House Causeway around 1:23 p.m.
On Sunday morning, April 13, police recovered a body from the Thames near Maritime Quay, Isle of Dogs. Formal identification confirmed it was Kaliyah on April 29.
Her family shared their grief in a statement, saying, “Our hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same. We were blessed to have Kaliyah, even if it was for such a short time. She will be missed so much.”
They also thanked everyone involved in the search and asked for privacy as they mourn.
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who led the investigation, called it a tragic accident. He also urged the public not to share false information and to respect the family’s request for privacy.
An inquest into Kaliyah’s death is set to begin on Friday, May 2.
