The family of a girl who died after being pulled from a river in Wales have paid their final respects to the “loving and caring” teenager – while issuing a heartbreaking warning to other parents.

Holli Smallman’s body was tragically pulled from the River Severn in Welshpool on Friday 9 August. A large-scale search of the river was launched that day, but sadly the 15-year-old was not found until around 8pm.

Holli’s family have now paid tribute to her, describing her as a “beloved sister, daughter and granddaughter,” Wales Online reports. A statement released by Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We would like to express how heartbroken we are at the tragic death of our loving and caring girl Holli.”

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“The overwhelming sadness and grief devastates us all. Holli was a beloved sister, daughter, granddaughter and was so loved by her entire family, extended family and friends.

“Holli was fun-loving and lived a life of song and dance, had an infectious zest for life and her positive and endearing, cheeky nature left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Holli was a popular student at Welshpool High School and particularly enjoyed art and creativity.

“Holli formed very strong bonds with her group of friends and spent time with them in and out of school. Holli had a talent, flair and passion for makeup and beauty and planned to pursue an apprenticeship in this field after school.

“Holli was also a popular member of the Welshpool Army Cadets, where she joined last year with her group of friends and settled in well. Holli learned new life skills and matured into a beautiful young and well-rounded person. She was extremely supportive and caring towards her siblings and family, who meant everything to her.

“Holli was taken from us at far too young an age. She had her whole life ahead of her and there will be a void in our lives that will never heal and we will never forget what a wonderful person Holli was.

“She loved her family and friends and showed this every day. We are all overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and kindness we have received as a family and we thank you all for the messages and gestures we have received from everyone in the community.

“We have seen your messages which have meant so much to us.” Our hearts and thoughts are also with the friends who were with Holli on that tragic day. We pass on to them the support and compassion that the community has shown us during this unimaginable time and we are thinking of them all.

“We would also like to express our sincere thanks to all the emergency services and rescue teams who went above and beyond to help Holli that evening and to the NHS staff in Telford who were so supportive.”

The family also warned people about the dangers of open water and said they hope no one else has to go through what they went through. They said: “We are deeply heartbroken and would never want another family to go through the pain we are going through.”

“The dangers of water have been brought home to us in ways no one can imagine and we ask that children and parents exercise extreme caution around open water. We respectfully ask for time and privacy as a family as we process the loss of our dear and beautiful Holli.”

The major search operation involved Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services, Her Majesty’s Coastguard and specialist search and rescue teams. Members of the public have been asked to stay away from the area whilst search operations continue.

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