Tragic Incident Claims Life of 11-Year-Old Kaliyah Coa

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the body recovered from the River Thames on April 13 belongs to 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa, who disappeared on March 31 after falling into the water while playing near Barge House Causeway in North Woolwich. The young girl was reported missing after attending a birthday party, but tragically never returned home. Emergency services, including His Majesty's Coastguard and the London Fire Brigade, launched an extensive search operation, but no sign of Kaliyah was found for over two weeks. Almost exactly two weeks after her disappearance, her body was discovered, leading to an outpouring of grief from her family, who said their 'hearts are broken' and that their lives would never be the same. Kaliyah's family expressed gratitude to those involved in the search and requested privacy during this difficult time. Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who led the investigation, characterized the event as a 'tragic accident' and confirmed that specialist officers will continue to support the family as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. An inquest into Kaliyah's death is scheduled to commence on May 2, shedding more light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic case. This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the importance of safety near waterways, particularly with children. Further, the police have urged the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident, so the family can grieve in peace—a request that resonates with ethical journalism and community sensitivity amidst such tragic circumstances.