Girl who died at Drayton Manor was former Rugby schoolgirl

Evha Jannath fell out of a boat on the Splash Canyon attraction during a school trip to the Staffordshire theme park and died shortly after.

The 11-year-old girl from Leicester reportedly moved away from Rugby recently and used to go to Long Lawford Primary School.

A Warwickshire County Council spokesman said: “We are incredibly sorry to hear the sad news about Evha Jannath.

“Evha spent time at Long Lawford Primary School as a pupil and will be remembered by the school as a lovely young girl.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Evha’s family at this sad time.”

A Rugby mum says she warned Drayton Manor bosses four years ago about the Splash Canyon ride after her son fell in the water.

Evha’s family said their ‘world was torn apart’ following her death, in a statement released by parliamentary candidate for Leicester East Keith Vaz on Wednesday.

“The family is grief stricken at the death of their beloved daughter and sister at Drayton Manor Park yesterday afternoon,” the statement read.

“They want to express thanks to all of those within the community in Leicester and beyond for their expressions of condolence and support.

“The family have requested a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this tragic death and welcome the actions taken so far by Staffordshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive.

“The family requests that the ride in question is suspended, until the inquiry is concluded and the full facts are established.

“They have asked for the immediate release of Evha’s body so that it can be buried according to their religious rights and customs.

“This terrible loss is felt not only by the family but by the community as a whole.

“At this most tragic and terrible time of their lives the family would like their privacy respected by all and will not make any further statements.”

Rugby mum raised concerns about Drayton Manor death ride in 2013