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The Telegraph
The Telegraph
National
Jack Hardy

Ukrainian mother pays tribute to ‘beautiful’ daughter found on Devon beach

Albina Yevko
Albina Yevko

The mother of a Ukrainian teenager who died after being found unconscious on a Devon beach has spoken of her devastation. 

Albina Yevko, 14, was found on Dawlish beach on Saturday night following a police search. She was airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where she later died.

Albina’s mother, Inna Yevko paid tribute to her daughter, saying: “Myself and my family are devastated to have lost our beautiful Albina.

“Nothing can ever replace her in our hearts.

“We ask that our privacy is respected at this incredibly painful time.”

Police are treating the death as unexplained and are continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding it.

‘She was a good person’

The family are understood to have settled in the seaside town arriving in the UK last year as refugees from the conflict in Ukraine.

Viktoriia Zviholska, 38, a cleaner who lives in nearby Teignmouth arrived in Dawlish from Ukraine in May last year with her son and became close friends with Inna and Albina after sharing a host family.

She said: “I want to honour the memory of my friend's daughter from Ukraine.

“She was not only young but also very bright, smart, interesting, she loved to draw. She was a good person. I can’t believe this could happen to her. 

“I have known this family since May last year. We met here. They were lucky to live with their family host.

“They liked England. Inna is a specialist in the IT industry. Albina rejoiced at the new school. We met for lunch together. We celebrated the new year together.

“Albina always discussed with her mother what she would do and where she would go.

“Thanks to all the services of England for responding so quickly to the search request. It is unfortunate that [medics] did not have time to help. Please help us find out what happened so that we can warn everyone that there were no such mistakes, not only among Ukrainian children but also among English children.”

Investigation continues

Detective Inspector Becky Davies said: “Our investigation continues as we try to piece together Albina’s final hours. Officers continue to undertake door-to-door enquiries as we try to identify any witnesses or CCTV footage that capture Albina’s movements.

“Whilst this death remains unexplained, we are not currently treating this death as suspicious.

“We await the results of the forensic post-mortem due to take place on Thursday, but in the meantime, we ask that the family and loved ones of Albina are given space and privacy as they come to terms with their loss.

“Our thoughts are very much with those who knew Albina at this tragic time, and the close-knit Dawlish community who will no doubt be in shock over this loss.”

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