Girl died after slipping into fast-flowing river

A 15-YEAR-OLD schoolgirl drowned after slipping into the River Severn while playing with her friends during a summer heatwave, an inquest has heard.

- By HOLLY MORGAN Reporter

Holli Smallman

Holli Smallman’s friends desperately tried to save her after she lost her footing in a fast-flowing stretch of the River Severn close to a weir in Welshpool, mid-Wales.

While the group were paddling and playing in the water, Holli — described as not being a strong swimmer - slipped and disappeared beneath the surface.

Her friends attempted to reach her but were unable to locate her after she went under.

Emergency services were called and a large-scale search began. Holli was found over three hours later and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Coroner Kerrie Burge outlined the circumstances of the incident in August 2024, explaining that the river had a combination of shallow and deeper areas as well as a weir where the water flowed more quickly. She concluded that Holli died as a result of accidental drowning.

Ms Burge said: “Holli Smallman, aged 15, was socialising with a group of friends on the 9th of August 2024, on the banks of the River Severn.

“Everyone was in good spirits and they decided to go into the river.