The first picture of an 11 year old schoolgirl who died at the Drayton Manor Theme Park on May 9,was released by the police a day after the incident. Evha Jannath who was on a school trip to the Tamworth-based theme park, fell off a boat on the Splash Canyon ride after which she was rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where she later died.
The park's visibly shaken company director George Bryan said they were “truly shocked and devastated” by the death. He added specially-trained staff were on the scene “immediately” after the alarm was raised. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said crews discovered a girl “with serious injuries who had been rescued from the water by park staff” on arrival. After Ehva received advanced life support she was flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with a doctor continuing treatment en route. “Unfortunately, shortly after arrival at hospital it became apparent nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed deceased.”
The ride, which has been closed following the incident, features 21 boats, each with a capacity of six people, offered a 'wild ride' with 'fast-flowing rapids'. A parent who did not wish to be named, said Ehva fell from one of the boats when it hit a rock. “When the girl got up to change seats just then it hit a rock and she got knocked out of the boat and fell in the water and the water currents dragged her in.” She added the girl disappeared from view. The integrated Islamic day school that also maintained a close day, said it was providing “support to pupils and staff” and asked Ehva's family and the school community were given “time to grieve”.
