'No warning' at mudflats, inquest told
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man who watched helplessly as his partner's daughter drowned while trapped in mudflats insisted yesterday there had been no warning signs.
Lelaina Hall, a "kind, fun-loving" five-year-old, sank into mud and was overwhelmed by the incoming tide.
An inquest into her death heard yesterday that her mother, Caroline Hall, called for help while her partner Laurence Boyle tried to reach Lelaina when they realised she was in trouble. Mr Boyle struggled against thigh-high mud but never managed to get within more than 200 yards of Lelaina. Mrs Hall, of Worcester, was forced to watch as her daughter became trapped.
"To me it looked like she had fallen over and I knew in my gut from that moment on that I had lost my little girl," she said.
The Taunton inquest heard that Lelaina had gone to Berrow beach near Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, on 23 June this year with her mother, Mr Boyle and his two young children, while on holiday.
After Lelaina got stuck a coastguard mud rescue team called in a helicopter from RAF Chivenor and the five-year-old was later spotted face down. All attempts to resuscitate her failed and she died at Weston General Hospital.
Mr Boyle, of Kidderminster, told the inquest he could not recall seeing any warning signs while Detective Sergeant Jerry Wallis said notices appeared to be aimed at motorists.
John Blake, corporate director of Sedgemoor District Council, said large signs reading: "Beware of soft sand. Vehicles are driven on to the beach at the owner's risk" were in place and leaflets had been distributed. But the council was now taking a more "proactive" stance since Lelaina's death. The inquest continues.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments