In a tragic turn of events on 31 March 2025, 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa lost her life in the River Thames after expressing a desire to “dip her toes” in the water during a day out with friends. Kaliyah had attended a birthday party the day before, and on the fateful day, she and her friends visited the park before heading to Barge House Causeway in East London.
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According to statements presented during the inquest at East London Coroner’s Court on 16 July, Kaliyah sought permission from her father to wade into the river. Initially believing her request was made in jest, he cautioned her against it, reminding her that the area was not a beach. Despite this, Kaliyah assured him that she was aware of the river’s currents.
As events unfolded, a nearby witness, Nathan Guy, observed five children playing near the river’s edge. The hearing revealed that one child had accidentally lost a shoe in the water, prompting Kaliyah to attempt its retrieval. Witnesses recounted Kaliyah using a scooter to reach the shoe, despite objections from peers who deemed the scooter “too expensive” for such use.
In a heartbreaking account, Guy described seeing Kaliyah struggling in the water. He promptly contacted emergency services but could not avert the tragedy. The coroner noted that Kaliyah’s immersion in the frigid waters would likely have induced unconsciousness quite rapidly, given the currents and conditions of the Thames.
Coroner Graeme Irvine ruled Kaliyah’s death as accidental, concluding that there was no evidence of foul play. In his remarks, Irvine observed the absence of “dark intent” and confirmed that the circumstances surrounding the incident reflected the dangerous nature of the River Thames. Furthermore, he indicated that authorities found no grounds for criticism regarding the lack of adult supervision at the gathering.
Kaliyah’s father expressed his outrage that no adult from the friends’ household had informed him of the children’s whereabouts while they played outside. He articulated a sense of responsibility as he learned of his daughter’s attempts to access the water.
The aftermath of Kaliyah’s tragic passing has profoundly impacted her family. In a statement released to the BBC, her family expressed their devastation, affirming that life would never be the same. They remembered Kaliyah as a cherished presence, stating, “We were blessed to have Kaliyah, even if it was for such a short time. She will be missed so much.”
Following the incident, Kaliyah’s aunt, Jade Coa, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to honour her memory and help with funeral expenses. Jade described Kaliyah as the “light of our lives” and spoke of the indescribable pain stemming from her absence, emphasising the love she inspired in those around her.
In findings presented during the hearing, pathologist Professor Alan Bates confirmed that Kaliyah had no signs of injury suggestive of assault, further solidifying the conclusion that her death was an unfortunate accident. The East London Coroner’s Court has thus concluded its investigation into this heartbreaking incident, with many in the community reflecting on the indelible loss felt in the wake of Kaliyah’s passing.
The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers associated with open waterways, particularly for children. As the community mourns, safety discussions regarding supervision and awareness of natural water hazards have emerged, underscoring the importance of safeguarding young lives in recreational spaces.