An inquest has opened into the death of "loving and caring" Welshpool teenager Holli Smallman who was found in the River Severn following a large-scale emergency search. A coroner was told that police received a report at around 4.40pm on Friday, August 9, that the 15-year-old had entered the river at a weir opposite Leighton Arches on the outskirts of Welshpool.
Holli was recovered a short distance away by fire officers who sadly confirmed that she had died. A post-mortem examination was carried out at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by pathologist Dr Barlow who gave a provisional cause of death as "pending further investigations". Area coroner for South Wales Central Patricia Morgan told the hearing on Tuesday, August 20, that based on the information that she had received about Holli's death, "I have reason to suspect that the death is unnatural".
Ms Morgan formally opened and adjourned the inquest while further information and evidence leading to Holli's death can be gathered before a full inquest can be held. The area coroner added that Dyfed-Powys Police officers were leading an investigation into Holli's death. Ms Morgan added: "I wish to express my condolences to the family Holli Smallman at this tragic time".
Last week, Holli’s family paid tribute to her, saying they are overwhelmed by grief, and she was “taken from us at far too young an age”. They said they never wanted another family to go through the heartbreak they have experienced, and warned of the dangers.