The family of a beloved teenage girl who tragically passed away after being swept out to sea expressed concerns about missed opportunities affecting her chances of survival during the emergency response, an ongoing inquest revealed.
Edie Smart, aged 13, lost her life on July 28, 2025, following an incident in the waters off Whitley Bay beach, North Tyneside. In the current hearings at Newcastle Coroners’ Court, Edie’s mother Louise conveyed a heartfelt tribute on behalf of the family.
The inquest, scheduled for five days, also featured accounts from individuals involved in the rescue efforts on the day Edie encountered trouble in the water.
The family acknowledged the valiant efforts of lifeguards Nathan Ramsey and Joseph Walker-Hardwick, who displayed remarkable courage in navigating challenging conditions to reach Edie and transfer her to a nearby lifeboat amidst powerful waves.
During testimonies, Rhys Stevens from HM Coastguard acknowledged the potential delay in calling an ambulance during the rescue operation, recognizing the difficult circumstances faced during the mission to save Edie.
Describing Edie as a cherished member of their family, the family statement highlighted concerns about potential missed opportunities that could have impacted her survival chances. Issues such as inadequate safety signage at the location where the incident occurred were raised, prompting questions about the timeliness and efficacy of the emergency response.
The inquest, prompted by the engagement of Article 2 of the Human Rights Act, aims to evaluate the adequacy of risk management protocols in place to safeguard individuals’ right to life.
The family’s statement emphasized Edie’s exceptional ability to positively impact everyone she encountered, with an outpouring of affectionate messages following her untimely passing underscoring her profound influence on others.
Solicitor Gareth Naylor, representing the family, commended the bravery of those involved in the rescue efforts while directing attention towards the systemic concerns surrounding the incident.
Further insights from the police inquiry and statements from involved parties shed light on the sequence of events leading to Edie’s tragic demise, highlighting challenges faced during the rescue operation and the subsequent investigation.
The ongoing inquest continues to delve into the circumstances surrounding Edie’s death, including the decision-making processes and coordination among rescue agencies during the critical moments of the incident.