An inquest that commenced indicated that the girl who tragically passed away after falling into the River Thames likely succumbed to the cold water’s effects “quickly.”

Kaliyah Coa, just 11 years old, was reported missing on March 31 after having spent time near Barge House Causeway in Woolwich during a school inset day. Her body was found on April 13.

Coroner Graeme Irvine noted that it seemed she had entered the river in an effort to retrieve a lost shoe, although a thorough investigation into the details will occur at a comprehensive inquest.

In a heartfelt statement, Kaliyah’s family expressed that her untimely death had shattered their hearts and that their lives would “never be the same again.”

They added, “We were fortunate to have Kaliyah, even if it was for such a brief period. She will be profoundly missed. Kaliyah attended a birthday party and did not return home to her loved ones.”

The inquest into Kaliyah’s passing was opened on Friday morning at the East London Coroner’s Court, where Mr. Irvine explained that he was mandated to conduct a hearing due to the “unnatural” nature of her cause of death.

He informed the court that the initial cause of death was attributed to immersion, subject to further examination.

Initial post-mortem results indicated that Kaliyah had not drowned, as stated during the inquest.

Mr. Irvine commented on the initial findings, saying, “Exposure to cold water would likely have led to unconsciousness and death fairly rapidly. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the parents. I cannot fathom the sorrow they must be experiencing.”