Aria Thorpe’s reason for dying revealed at inquest after boy, 15 charged with homicide
Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead at her home in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset on December 15 – her heartbroken family said she was a ‘beautiful and innocent soul’
A nine-year-old girl tragically died from a single stab wound to her chest at her family home, an inquest opening has been told. Aria Thorpe was declared dead at the address in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, by paramedics at 6.58pm on December 15.
Coroner’s officer Andrew Eastwood told Avon Coroners’ Court: “The deceased died at her home address from a stab wound to her chest.”
Dr Peter Harrowing, area coroner for Avon, ordered that the complete post-mortem examination should be delivered by February 16. He identified interested parties in the proceedings as Aria’s relatives and the alleged offender.
“Because other proceedings are ongoing, I shall not list this matter for an inquest but list it for a review date on April 10,” Dr Harrowing stated.
The coroner explained the review date would not constitute a court hearing. He noted that any additional coronial proceedings would be “subject to the outcome of any police investigation or criminal proceedings that may follow”.
A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, has already appeared at Bristol Crown Court accused of Aria’s murder.
Judge Peter Blair KC, the Recorder of Bristol, has scheduled a provisional trial date of June 15 this year, with proceedings expected to run for two weeks.
In heartfelt tributes following her passing, Aria’s dad Tom Thorpe said: “You were such a brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul. You always put a smile on people’s faces with your wacky ways and just outright madness.
“You always found it so easy to show your affection to others and ensure others around you were happy and never bored!”.
“I’ll never ever forget our time in Disneyland as a family; seeing your face light up when we were watching the princess show was a picture that will last forever in our minds.
“Your other little family down here in Portsmouth will forever miss you. We’ll miss you begging to go outside, even in the pouring rain just to have as much fun as possible in the little time we had at weekends.
“You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling.”
Aria’s family on her mother’s side added: “For those who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Aria, she was the most beautiful little soul – happy-go-lucky, full of light, and joy.
“She loved to sing and dance, and she took such pride in dressing up, always wanting to look just like her mummy. The loss of Aria has devastated us beyond words. Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible.
“As a family, we are holding one another close and doing everything we can to support each other through this unimaginable time.”
The family expressed that they had been “truly touched” by the outpouring of support and messages from friends and the local community.
