Schoolgirl Evha killed by ‘blunt force’ injury

A SCHOOLGIRL killed falling from a ride at Drayton Manor Park died from a blunt force trauma to her chest, a coroner has said.

South Staffordshire Coroner’s office released Evha Jannath’s body to her family allowing her funeral to take place last Tuesday (May 16).

The 11-year-old died on May 9 during a school trip to the Staffordshire attraction when she fell from the Splash Canyon river rapids ride.

Despite being pulled from the water by park staff she was pronounced dead shortly after being airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

An inquest into her death is due to open this week however as her body was released the coroner’s office recorded her cause of death as “blunt force chest trauma”.

Some reports suggested Evha, from Leicester, was hit by another boat as she tried to get out of the water.

A police spokesman confirmed: “The preliminary cause of death has been identified by the HM Coroner as chest injuries however investigations continue.

“The investigation into Evha’s death remains a joint investigation between Staffordshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive.”

Around 600 people attended her funeral last week as it was held at a Leicester prayer hall.

After her funeral, headteacher of the Jamea Girls Academy, Erfana Bora said pupils visited Evha’s family to comfort them and “say goodbye” to their friend.

“It is overwhelming to see so many people here today, praying for Evha and showing support for her family,” she said.

“As a school, we have been touched by the enormity of support that we have received from the community of Leicester, as well as nationally and globally.

“We would like to also thank fellow schools in Leicester and Leicester City Council for providing practical help, including counselling for our pupils and staff.”

The headteacher added: “In Evha’s memory, we have closed the school this afternoon [last Tuesday]. Tomorrow we will resume class but with a heavy heart, knowing that we do so without Evha.

“In the coming days, Evha’s friends will help the school to establish a fitting tribute to her memory.

“In the meantime, Evha’s mum has asked me this morning to keep Evha’s name on the school register.

“I am happy to do so as Evha will always be in our hearts and a part of our school.”