Family Holiday Turns to Heartbreak as 4-Year-Old Tilly Dies in Boat Accident

A little girl who tragically lost her life in a boating accident during a family holiday to the US has been remembered by loved ones as a “beautiful, bright star”.

Four-year-old Tilly Adel Naureen Roache had travelled from Leeds to Georgia with her mum Tiffany to join relatives for 4th of July celebrations. But what was meant to be a joyful time with family turned into something unimaginable.

On Independence Day, Tilly and her family were out on a pontoon boat on Lake Oconee, a popular reservoir in central Georgia. An inquest held in Wakefield heard how the boat capsized after waves crashed over the front and passengers instinctively moved to the back. The sudden shift in weight caused the vessel to fully overturn, reported Yorkshire Live.

Everyone on board, including little Tilly, was thrown into the water. Several passengers needed to be rescued and some were taken for medical treatment. Thankfully, Good Samaritans nearby jumped in to help and managed to pull people to safety.

Tilly, who had been wearing a pink lifejacket, was initially reported missing. She was later found beneath the upturned boat. Rescuers performed CPR at the scene before she was rushed to a hospital in Atlanta. Despite every effort, she passed away two days later, on July 6.

The inquest confirmed she died from complications related to drowning. The court also heard that the boat had already started to take on water before the incident. There was no suggestion of alcohol or drugs being involved, and the person operating the boat was not found to be at fault.

West Yorkshire coroner Oliver Longstaff praised the American authorities for their cooperation in helping to provide details of the incident. He formally recorded that Tilly, originally from Oldham and living on Scott Hall Road in Leeds, died as the result of a tragic accident.

In the days following the accident, an outpouring of love and grief flooded social media. Friends, relatives and even strangers were quick to offer support. A GoFundMe page was set up to support Tiffany and raised more than $24,000. The page described what happened as an “unthinkable tragedy” and painted a picture of a joyful little girl who left an unforgettable mark on those around her.

“Tilly was full of light,” the page read. “Her sweet and innocent laughter could brighten any room, and her kind spirit touched everyone who met her. She loved dancing, princesses, and all things Spiderman.”

It added: “Her sudden passing has left her family, friends, and community in deep shock and heartbreak – especially her mother, Tiffany, who is now facing the unbearable pain no parent should ever have to endure.”

More than 240 people donated, and tributes continue to pour in online. One heartfelt message on the Legacy website captured the mood of many: “Tilly, your smile lit up every room, and your joy was contagious. Though you were with us for only a short while, your light will shine in our hearts forever. You were – and always will be – a beautiful, bright star.”

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