The family of a schoolgirl who drowned while playing in a river have slammed those who took videos of the unfolding tragedy and posted them on social media instead of trying to help.
Talented dancer Ava Gray, 12, died in the River Leven at Balloch in Dunbartonshire after struggling in the water with two of her friends.
As they prepared to pay their last respects at a funeral service today, her loved ones questioned why some people’s reaction was to pull out a phone.
Speaking on behalf of Ava’s mum Leanne Rae, aunt Jamie Gillies said: “Only one man tried to help three kids in distress. We are forever in his debt.
“Absolutely disgusted to hear more people were interested in videoing or Snapchatting the ‘drama’ and rescue to their friends.
“If any one of those people put as much effort into helping the kids we may not be here.
“I genuinely worry for our future if this is people’s priority.
“Think before you act. Always think of others. Be careful what you say on social media and remember that grieving and distressed families can see your posts.”
Ava’s family said she was mature, responsible and a good swimmer.
As the three children struggled in the water, emergency services rushed to the scene at Balloch Bridge, at 6.45pm on Sunday, August 9.
Her friends managed to get to safety but, sadly, Ava’s body was recovered three hours later.
Her family said they are hurt by comments made online.
Aunt Jamie told our sister paper the Lennox Herald: “What happened was nothing but a tragic accident.
“Some of the comments we’ve seen making assumptions about what happened have been very hurtful not just for our family but the families of her two friends who were with her.
“Three kids were paddling in what looked like a very clear and calm part of the river.
“They could swim and were strong and fit. They are not irresponsible children and would never have knowingly put themselves in danger.
“However a step too far unfortunately cost us dearly.”
Ava, from nearby Alexandria, was looking forward to starting secondary school at the Vale of Leven Academy.
Jamie called on parents to educate their children on the dangers of water and said she would approach West Dunbartonshire Council to ask them to do more work with pupils over water safety.
She added: “We live in a very pretty part of the country and on days as warm as last Sunday the water can be so inviting.
“I visited the spot they were playing in. It looks so shallow and calm. They could never have known the danger they were in.”
Loved ones will gather today at Clydebank Crematorium to lay Ava to rest. Jamie said: “It’s a pain I hope no one ever has to feel. Ava was a bright, bubbly, talented, fun-loving girl.
“She was full of kindness, sass and attitude. She made a huge impact on anyone she met and always left people smiling.
“As a family she meant the absolute world to us and she has left a void that can never be filled.”
Ava’s family heaped praise on emergency services for being “amazing and extremely professional”.
Friends gathered at Dalmonach Park in Bonhill on Saturday to release yellow and pink balloons in Ava’s memory.
Samantha Henderson, who organised it, said: “She was an amazing young lady and I know that the whole of the area are going to miss her terribly.”
