A 16-year-old girl has died following what has been described as a devastating accident during a family holiday in the Caribbean.
Abigail Lainton, from Swindon, had travelled to the Dominican Republic with her parents and her two siblings when the fatal incident happened last month.
Abigail, known to loved ones as Abbie, died on July 30. Her sister Carley and brother Bradley were also said to have been seriously injured. The circumstances of how the siblings came to be in danger have not yet been made clear.
The much-loved teenager had been enjoying a family break after completing her GCSEs, just weeks after marking another milestone by attending her school prom.
Tributes have since been paid to Abbie, with her former cheer coach remembering her as someone who brought warmth, kindness and a bright smile into every room she entered.
Becky Jamieson, who has launched a GoFundMe page in Abbie’s memory, wrote: ‘On July 30, 2026, Abbie Lainton tragically lost her life in a terrible accident while on holiday in the Dominican Republic.
‘Becky and Gary have lost their beautiful 16-year-old daughter, and Carley and Bradley were also badly injured in the accident.
‘Abbie had her whole life ahead of her. She should have been spending the summer with her friends and looking forward to receiving her GCSE results.
Abigail Lainton, also known as ‘Abbie’, died after being in a ‘terrible accident’ while on holiday
Abigail, pictured with her family, was on holiday in the Dominican Republic
‘She was so loved by her family, friends and everyone who knew her.
‘This page has been set up to support the family through this unimaginable time.
‘For Abbie. Forever 16, forever loved and never forgotten.’
Tanwood School for Performing Arts, where Abbie trained as a young girl, posted pictures of Abbie while dancing as they shared the ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘devastating news’.
The school wrote that she was ‘part of an exceptional group of dancers who formed strong friendships which spilled over to the audience when they performed together’.
‘She always performed with a huge smile, and those beautiful feet!’ it added.
Swindon Lightning Cheer similarly shared a tribute to the ‘much-loved member’ whose ‘love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years’.
The organisation wrote on Instagram: ‘It is with the deepest sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beautiful athlete and coach, Abbie.
Abbie’s cheerleading society in Swindon paid tribute to ‘her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading’
‘There are simply no words that feel enough.
‘Abbie was a much-loved member of our Swindon Lightning family. Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years. She brought so much light to our gym, and her loss has left us all heartbroken.
‘Our thoughts, love and deepest condolences are with Abbie’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time.’
Abbie’s cheer coach Mychael James-Dixon wrote in a tribute post that she ‘filled every room she was in with her warmth and smile’.
‘In truth I’m struggling to find the words to do her justice, but I can say with 100 per cent certainty that anyone who knew her, loved her and life was made that much better for having known her,’ he added.
Cheerleading champion Dillon Brandt said: ‘This beautiful and talented person has passed away, the dedication to be a dedicated and loving person in the world did not go unnoticed.’
The Foreign Office has been contacted for comment.
