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Tributes to 'beautiful' teen who died in Dominican Republic holiday horror incident

Abbie Lainton, 16, died on July 30 after a fatal incident in the Dominican Republic, with her siblings also badly injured

[Drone point of view of Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic, showcasing a tropical beach with white sand, turquoise waters, palm trees, and a wooden pier. The clear Caribbean Sea and lush greenery create a perfect vacation and travel destination.]

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Abbie's siblings were also injured during the incident on holiday in the Dominican Republic (stock)(Image: Nico De Pasquale Photography via Getty Images)

Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for a much-loved teenager who tragically lost her life during an accident while on a family holiday, which also left her two siblings injured.

Abbie Lainton, 16, from Swindon, died on July 30 following the fatal incident in the Dominican Republic. Abbie 'had her whole life ahead of her' and was 'looking forward to receiving her GCSE results', according to a GoFundMe page organised by her family. The fundraising appeal has raised more than 8,700 in donations at the time of publication, and will help "support the family through this unimaginable time", the Mirror reports.

[Abbie Lainton]

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Abbie Lainton(Image: GoFundMe)

Becky Jamieson, who established the fundraiser, described Abbie as someone who was cherished by all who knew her.

"On July 30, 2026, Abbie Lainton tragically lost her life in a terrible accident while on holiday in the Dominican Republic," the page reads. Becky and Gary have lost their beautiful 16-year-old daughter, and Carley and Bradley were also badly injured in the accident.

"Abbie had her whole life ahead of her. She should have been enjoying the summer with her friends and looking forward to receiving her GCSE results. Forever 16, forever loved and never forgotten."

Abbie's former school, Tanwood School for Performing Arts, also paid tribute to the youngster in a statement.

[Tanwood School For Performing Arts]

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Tanwood School For Performing Arts paid tribute to Abbie(Image: Google)

"Abbie joined Tanwood as a dinky dot and was part of an exceptional group of dancers who formed strong friendships which spilled over to the audience when they performed together," a spokesperson said in a statement. "She always performed with a huge smile, and those beautiful feet.

"We are all in complete shock at this heartbreaking news and send so much love and support to her family and friends at this unimaginable time. You will always be in our hearts."

An enthusiastic cheerleader, Abbie was additionally part of Swindon Lightning Cheerleading club, competing on their behalf at events around the globe.

"There are simply no words that feel enough," a spokesperson for the group said in a social media post. "Abbie was a much-loved member of our Swindon Lightning family. Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years."

You can donate to the GoFundMe here.

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