Tragic River Incident Claims Child’s Life
A nine-year-old girl lost her life after slipping from a jetty into the River Thames during a play session with friends, according to official reports. Luiza Paun, affectionately known as Bia, entered the water near Gordon Promenade in Gravesend, Kent on May 29, 2025.
Search and Recovery Efforts
Emergency services launched an extensive search operation when witnesses reported three children in distress. Multiple bystanders jumped into the river attempting rescue efforts, but strong currents carried the child away. Rescuers recovered Luiza’s body the following day approximately one mile downstream from the incident location.
Coroner Katrina Hepburn confirmed at Maidstone Coroner’s Court that formal identification had been completed through police records. Medical examination established drowning as the official cause of death.
Community Grieves Young Life
Flowers and stuffed animals soon accumulated at Newbridge Causeway near Gravesend Rowing Club, where the tragedy occurred. Mourners left heartfelt messages including “Rest in peace, little one” and “May you find eternal peace in the arms of angels.” Family members described Luiza as a “beautiful angel” with her “whole life ahead of her.”
Safety Concerns Raised
Local residents have called for improved riverside safety measures following the incident. Community advocates suggest additional protective barriers and multilingual warning signs about the Thames’ dangerous currents. Gravesham MP Dr. Lauren Sullivan acknowledged these concerns while extending condolences to the family.
“While investigations into these tragic circumstances continue, our focus remains on supporting the grieving family and community,” the MP stated. Sullivan praised emergency responders including coastguard teams, police marine units, and RNLI volunteers who participated in the search operation.
Rescue Attempt Details
Initial reports indicate Luiza was playing with two male companions when the accident occurred. Witness George Karnovski described retrieving a seven-year-old boy using a life ring from Gravesend Rowing Club. “I kept shouting about the girl,” the 37-year-old recalled. “But despite scanning the water repeatedly, I couldn’t spot her anywhere.”
The surviving child received hospital treatment and was discharged in stable condition. Authorities have scheduled a full inquest for March 18 at Oakwood House in Maidstone to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
