Tribute to girl who died after river rescue

The family of a 13-year-old girl who died after being rescued from a river at a beauty spot have said she was a "precious and cherished" girl who "brought joy to everyone around her".

Palwasha Akbar, from Bradford, was in the River Wharfe at Burnsall, North Yorkshire, when she got into difficulty on 31 May.

She was rescued from the water and taken to hospital but despite efforts to save her, she died a short time later.

Paying tribute to her, her family said: "Palwasha was a bright, kind, and caring young girl whose tragic passing has left her family, friends, and community heartbroken."

They added: "She was a hardworking student with a love of learning and a cheerful personality that brought joy to everyone around her.

"Palwasha loved reading and could often be found enjoying a good book.

"She also loved spending time with her friends, making memories, sharing laughter, and bringing happiness wherever she went."

Her family added she loved dressing up, doing her hair and expressing her "vibrant personality".

"Her warm smile, kind heart, and caring nature made her loved by all who knew her," they added.

"Palwahsa was a loving daughter, sister, and friend who had a bright future ahead of her. She was full of life, dreams, and ambition, and she touched the lives of so many people despite her young age.

"We miss her deeply and are struggling to come to terms with losing such a precious and cherished member of the family."

The family has started an online fundraiser to raise money for charitable causes in Palwasha's name.

She was a pupil at Bronte Girls' Secondary Academy in Bradford, which paid tribute to her last week.

The school said the community was "deeply saddened" by the death of one of their much-loved students.

An inquest into Palwasha's death is due to open on 18 June at Northallerton Coroner's Court.

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