A SCHOOLGIRL who vanished in the River Thames at a birthday party died “swiftly”; from cold water shock, an inquest heard.
Kaliyah Coa, 11, was reported missing on March 31 after playing near Barge House Causeway in Woolwich, South East .
A huge search was launched but tragically, the youngster’s body was discovered two weeks later.
East London Coroner’s heard how Kaliyah’s death was “unnatural”; – prompting an inquest.
A provisional cause of death was immersion, pending further tests.
The post-mortem suggested that Kaliyah had not died from drowning, the inquest heard.
Senior coroner Graeme Irvine said: “The effect of being in cold water would have caused unconsciousness and death relatively swiftly.
“I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the parents. I cannot imagine the grief they must be going through.”;
A full inquest will be held at a later date.
Kaliyah was playing with another young girl and boy on a school inset day when she slipped into the Thames.
Her family yesterday paid tribute after confirmed a body pulled from Maritime Quay belonged to the schoolgirl.
They said “their hearts are broken”; and their lives will “never be the same”;.
The family added: “We were blessed to have Kaliyah, even if it was for such a short time. She will be missed so much.
“Kaliyah went to a birthday party and never returned home to her family.”;
