Family and friends say goodbye to tragic teen
CROWDS of friends and family gathered to say their final goodbyes to teenager Cali Smith.
The 19-year-old’s body was found in an area off the Kirklees Trail, near to Brandle Avenue, Bury, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Her death triggered a wave of emotional responses from far and wide as people left messages of love on social media and recounted their memories of her.
A large group of tearful relatives and friends met in Heaton Park to release balloons in her memory.
The organisers of the event left an open invitation for anyone who wanted to come along and say their goodbyes, which the M.E.N. was given permission to attend.
Paying tribute to Cali, her sister Ashleigh Smith, said: “She was such a lovely, bubbly person, full of energy.
“Had such swagger in everything she wore. She was a groovy chick. She had the kindest heart, so caring. And loved her family ever so much.
“I loved her so much and still do. And we had the most perfect childhood together.”
Police have said there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding Cali’s death.
Hundreds of people have tweeted messages of love for the former Parrenthorn High School pupil.
One Twitter user, Eve Strickland, said: “I never knew you personally but scrolling through my timeline I can see, and I hope you knew, how much you meant to everyone.”
Another, Logan Hornby, added: “The timeline tonight speaks volumes of the type of person the world has lost. R.I.P. Cali.”