A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family of a British teenager killed when a tour boat exploded off the Dominican Republic during a family holiday.
Abbie Lainton and her younger brother and sister were among more than 20 tourists hurt when a catamaran they were travelling on caught fire off Soana Island on July 27.
The 16-year-old was severely burned and died in hospital three days later.
Abbie coached athletes at the Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club and was a former pupil at Tanwood School for Performing Arts.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said it is providing consular support to Abbie’s family and assisting other British nationals and their families affected by the incident.
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It is in contact with the local authorities.
Well-wishers have donated more than £20,000 in just two days to a fundraising page set up for Abbie’s family.
According to the page, the schoolgirl died on July 30 in a ‘terrible accident’.
She had been enjoying the summer with her friends and was looking forward to receiving her GCSE results, the page reads.
Organiser Becky Jameson wrote: ‘On July 30, 2026, Abbie Lainton tragically lost her life in a terrible accident while on holiday in the Dominican Republic.
‘Becky and Gary have lost their beautiful 16-year-old daughter, and Carley and Bradley were also badly injured in the accident.
‘Abbie had her whole life ahead of her. She should have been enjoying the summer with her friends and looking forward to receiving her GCSE results.
‘She was so loved by her family, friends and everyone who knew her.
‘This page has been set up to support the family through this unimaginable time.
‘For Abbie. Forever 16, forever loved and never forgotten.’
Those who live near Abbie’s family in Swindon said they have lived there for ‘quite some time’ and told of their shock at the news.
One neighbour said: ‘It’s unbelievable. We heard about it from a friend of a friend.
‘It’s extremely, extremely upsetting. They’ve not been out the house much.
‘We were just aware that something wasn’t right. They’re a nice family, very nice family.’
Writing on Facebook, Tanwood School for Performing Arts shared the news of Abbie’s death and posted photos of her as a young child dressed in various dance costumes.
The school said: ‘Abbie joined Tanwood as a dinky dot and was part of an exceptional group of dancers who formed strong friendships which spilled over to the audience when they performed together.
‘She always performed with a huge smile, and those beautiful feet!
‘Abbie took her dance training and joined Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club where she once again excelled and competed all over the world.
‘Abbie’s family have been part of the Tanwood family for years, and have always offered unwavering support.
‘We are all in complete shock at this heartbreaking news and send so much love and support to her family and friends at this unimaginable time. You will always be in our hearts.’
Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club paid tribute to the ‘beautiful athlete and coach’ in a post on Instagram.
It said: ‘There are simply no words that feel enough. Abbie was a much-loved member of our Swindon Lightning family.
‘Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years.
‘She brought so much light to our gym, and her loss has left us all heartbroken.’
Others paying tribute included cheerleading champion, and star of the Netflix docuseries Cheer, Dillon Brandt.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘Abbie was an amazing athlete and coach, a part of Swindon Lightning.
‘This beautiful and talented person has passed away, the dedication to be a dedicated and loving person in the world did not go unnoticed.
‘Please take the time to pray for her family, friends, and Swindon Lightning family during this time.’