An inquest has officially opened today into the tragic death of 11-year-old Kaliyah Yeabselet Coa, who disappeared in the River Thames in east London on March 31.

At East London Coroner’s Court, Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine heard that Kaliyah may have been swept into the river while trying to retrieve a lost shoe while playing with friends at a concrete slipway near Barge House Causeway, North Woolwich.

A large-scale search operation lasted two weeks before her body was recovered on April 13 at Maritime Quay, near Canary Wharf. Formal identification was confirmed earlier this week, aided in part by dental records.

Preliminary Cause of Death: Immersion

The court heard that Kaliyah’s preliminary cause of death has been recorded as “immersion” rather than traditional drowning.
Professor Alan Bates, who conducted the post-mortem examination at East Ham Public Mortuary, found no pathology evidence of foul play.

Coroner Irvine said:

Professor Bates indicated that there was no evidence suggesting Kaliyah’s death was caused by the action or inaction of any other person.

Instead, Kaliyah’s death was attributed to the effects of being immersed in cold water.

Key Questions for Full Inquest

The coroner confirmed the full inquest, scheduled for November 11, will examine several issues:

• Whether Kaliyah was being supervised by an adult at the time
• Whether she was able to swim
• Whether there were any missed opportunities to prevent her death
• Potential responsibility of those managing the slipway and waterways

Irvine added:

If the family have concerns regarding the death, I will listen to them closely. Those responsible for the waterways may be required to provide further information.”

Family Tribute and Police Statement

Earlier this week, Kaliyah’s family released an emotional statement:

“Our hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same. We were blessed to have Kaliyah, even if it was for such a short time. She will be missed so much.”

Det Supt Scott Ware, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, said:

Our specialist officers will continue to support Kaliyah’s family as they process this heartbreaking news.
We ask the public to respect their privacy and refrain from inaccurate speculation.”

Timeline:

• March 31: Kaliyah disappears after entering River Thames
• April 13: Body recovered near Maritime Quay
• May 2: Inquest opened at East London Coroner’s Court
• November 11: Full inquest scheduled