Devastated friends pay tribute to 'dancing angel' girl, 12, who died in river tragedy

Devastated friends have paid tribute to a 12-year-old girl who died after she got into difficulty in the River Leven, Scotland.Devastated friends have paid tribute to a 12-year-old girl who died after she got into difficulty in the River Leven, Scotland.

The body of Ava Gray, a talented freelance dancer who had won awards, was recovered by emergency services on Sunday night.

Friends have taken to social media to express their devastation at her tragic death, describing her as a "dancing angel," the Daily Record reports.

Dance teacher Holly Douglas wrote: "My dancing angel I am heart broken.

"Words can't describe the way I feel Ava we all love you so so much you will never be forgotten at Full Out you will always be part of our team and our family.

"The world is a cruel place thinking of all the family right now , Ava I love you so so much."

Another friend wrote: "Aw Ava. We are all heartbroken.

"You were a beautiful wee dancer and a beautiful, kind and lovely girl.

"Sleep tight wee angel.

"Forever in our hearts and minds."Police Scotland officers were called to a report of the young girl being in difficulty in the River Leven, near Balloch Bridge, at about 6.45pm on Sunday.

The coastguard, ambulance and fire crews were all present for the desperate three hour search before her body was found.

"Emergency services attended and searches were carried out," police said in an earlier statement.

"Around 9.45pm, the young girl was recovered from the water.

"Sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene."The child's family have been informed of her death and enquiries are ongoing, but police are not treating the death as suspicious. 

Earlier, West Dumbartonshire Police, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency all confirmed they were involved in the search and asked the public to avoid the area.

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

Reference: Mirror: Jane Hamilton & Danya Bazaraa 10 hrs ago: 10th August 2020