Everyone at Eaton Bank Academy in Congleton was said to be “grieving deeply” this week following the death of a “wonderful” 15-year-old pupil.
Chiedza Nyanjowa got into difficulties in the sea at Formby, Merseyside on Bank Holiday Monday and was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, where she died on Saturday.
A report has been passed to Sefton coroner’s office.
The family of Chiedza, who was in year 10, said she will be remembered for her “kind spirit” and that she was a “giver”.
In a statement released as students returned to school following the Whit half-term holiday on Monday, Eaton Bank said Chiedza was a “wonderful, kind and thoughtful young woman” and the school community was “grieving deeply at her loss”.
Cheshire East Council’s educational psychology team was at the school to support students after learning about her death.
Chiedza’s family expressed their gratitude to everyone who had helped her and said that they were “glad that there were people around her to support her” adding: “Their support shows that she was loved.”
They described Chiedza as a “bubbly person”.
Their tribute said: “She loved Christ and going to church. She loved cooking, she was a giver and wanted to be a nurse when she grew up so she could give back.
“She will be greatly missed and remembered for her kind spirit.”
In a post on the school’s website on Monday, headteacher Ed O’Neill said: “It is with incredible sadness that I am writing to you to announce the tragic loss of one of our year 10 pupils, Chiedza Nyanjowa, who very sadly died in hospital, aged 15, on Saturday morning.
“She was a wonderful, kind and thoughtful young woman and we are all grieving deeply at her loss. Chiedza was a much-loved member of our school community, and she will be greatly missed by her friends, her teachers and everyone who knew her.
“She also made an incredible contribution beyond our school through her commitment to volunteering regularly to support primary school children, particularly through primary sports, demonstrating her generosity and care for others.”
Mr O’Neill added: “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Chiedza’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“We recognise that this news will be upsetting, particularly for all of our pupils. Cheshire East is sending its educational psychology team to be with us in school for any students who may need support. We have also placed links and resources on the website relating to coping with loss, grief and bereavement.
“We encourage parents and carers to speak with their children and offer reassurance. If you have any concerns about your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school so that we can provide further support.”
Eaton Bank said further information about how the school would remember Chiedza would be shared in due course, in line with the wishes of her family.
Chiedza was among at least 15 victims of water-related deaths around the country during the recent spell of hot weather.
Last Tuesday, 17-year-old David Tita Jnr, of Crewe, was found dead at Pickmere Lake, near Knutsford.
The missing teenager was last seen in the water and an extensive search was carried out involving Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s underwater search teams and the police helicopter.
In a tribute, his parents said: “No words will ever describe the loss of our son. He was not only a son, but a friend, a brother and a very supportive force to us, his family and the wider Crewe community.
“David was compassionate, sensitive, brave and full of light. When he smiled, it was as mountains smile to see the spring. His smile and touching empathy were infectious, as was his impactful capacity to reach out, build relationships, help and support those around him.”
For water safety advice, visit cheshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/water-safety.
