Tributes paid to 'amazing and beautiful' teenager who died in Devon speedboat tragedy
THE family of the schoolgirl killed in a freak speedboat tragedy yesterday have spoken of the loss of their "beautiful and amazing niece".
Emily Gardner died following the speedboat crash at the tourist hotspot Brixham Harbour
Emily Gardner, 14, from Gloucester, was on holiday with friends in Devon when a boat trip went wrong after the vessel overturned, trapping her underneath.
She was rushed to hospital where she later died.
After news of Emily's death was revealed, scores of tributes were put on social network sites.
Her aunt Sharon Ashley wrote on Facebook: "My beautiful beautiful niece love you so much sleep tight."
Uncle Nick Taylor wrote: "Good night my amazing niece... shine bright like a diamond."
And friend Bryony Elizabeth-Gorgina Fenemore wrote: "RIP Emily, such a beautiful girl taken from us thoughts go out to all friends and family."
Good night my amazing niece... shine bright like a diamond
Specialist divers were also deployed.
Emily's two friends, both aged 15, and a 50-year-old man, believed to be a father of one of the girls, were rescued and treated in hospital.
The tragic teen, who was a pupil at Chosen Hill School, was taken to Torbay District Hospital in a critical condition but died a short while later.
The boat, understood to be privately owned, has been recovered and taken to police premises for examination.
Detective Sergeant Andy Turner said a joint investigation involving HM Coroner and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch was now underway.
Emily, from Gloucester, was a pupil at Chosen Hill School
He added: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends who are affected by this tragic incident.
"I would like to thank the public and the emergency services for their assistance in getting the casualties to hospital swiftly.
"Enquiries are ongoing and we are keen to speak to any witnesses who have not already come forward."