Northern Ireland

Girl (14) who died in Larne river fall named as Year 10 pupil Gracie Gordon

Gracie Gordon (14) died after falling into a river in Larne
Gracie Gordon (14) died after falling into a river in Larne Gracie Gordon (14) died after falling into a river in Larne
By Claire Simpson

FRIENDS of a 14-year-old girl who died after falling into a fast-flowing river have described her as “the kindest person ever”.

Gracie Gordon is understood to have slipped down a steep bank into the River Inver in Larne after 9pm on Tuesday.

A major operation was launched, involving police, the fire and rescue service, coastguard crews, volunteers from Community Rescue Service and the ambulance service.

Gracie was pulled from the water by specialist fire crews. Paramedics treated her at the scene but she later died in hospital.

The teenager from Larne was a Year 10 pupil at St Killian’s College in Carnlough, Co Antrim. She has an older sister in Year 13 at the school.

Friends offered their messages of support and prayers on social media, describing the death as “heartbreaking”. Some gathered at the scene yesterday to pay their respects. Alyssa Geoghegan said her friend was “lovable and kind”.

Police at the River Inver in Larne following the death of Gracie Gordon on Tuesday evening. Picture by Alan Lewis, Photopress
Police at the River Inver in Larne following the death of Gracie Gordon on Tuesday evening. Picture by Alan Lewis, Photopress Police at the River Inver in Larne following the death of Gracie Gordon on Tuesday evening. Picture by Alan Lewis, Photopress

“I remember her just being the kindest person ever and always being there for you and texting you or hugging you,” she said.

Clio Leonard said Gracie was a good friend who was “always there for everybody”.

“I remember her as being a really happy bubbly person, always wanting to see you, always wanting to hug you and spend time with you,” she said.

A postmortem examination was carried out on Wednesday. Police said Gracie’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

It is the second time in two years that a young person has died after accidentally falling into the River Inver. In May last year Connor Murray (23) died six days after he was rescued from the water.

The Inver River in Larne, Co Antrim. Picture by Alan Lewis, Photopress
The Inver River in Larne, Co Antrim. Picture by Alan Lewis, Photopress The Inver River in Larne, Co Antrim. Picture by Alan Lewis, Photopress

UUP mayor Maureen Morrow said Gracie’s friends and emergency crews tried to save her but she was swept away by the river, which was swollen following days of heavy rain. She praised the efforts of emergency services on Tuesday night.

“They worked very hard. It is just a difficult river to get to,” Ms Morrow said.

Ms Morrow said Gracie’s death was a “very tragic accident”.

“It is heartbreaking for this to happen before Christmas,” she said.

DUP councillor Paul Reid said it was “devastating”.

“Whatever happened was a real tragedy. The town is completely stunned,” he said.

“At any time a sudden death is a tragedy but especially at this time of year when a family who are preparing for Christmas are now having to organise a funeral.

“All our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.”

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said he was “profoundly saddened”.

“Sincere sympathy to all family and friends,” he said on Twitter.