A young girl has died after falling from a ride in a Staffordshire theme park

Tragic news.

An 11-year old girl has tragically died after falling from a ride at Drayton Manor theme park in Staffordshire on Tuesday. According to the BBC, the girl died after falling from the Splash Canyon rapids ride into water on Tuesday afternoon; she was airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and was sadly pronounced dead shortly afterwards. Drayton Manor posted the following message on their Facebook page on Tuesday evening. Staffordshire Police, meanwhile, released a statement which can be read below. Following an incident at Drayton Manor Park, we can confirm that an 11-year-old girl has died this afternoon (May 9). Emergency services were called at 2.20pm following reports the girl had fallen from a water ride at the park. Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe, of Staffordshire Police, said: "Specially-trained officers are supporting the girl's family at this difficult time. Our thoughts are very much with her family and friends following this tragic incident." He added the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had been informed of the incident. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "On arrival, crews discovered a girl with serious injuries who had been rescued from the water by park staff. "Ambulance staff administered advanced life support before she was flown to Birmingham Children's Hospital with the doctor continuing treatment en route. "Unfortunately, shortly after arrival at hospital the girl passed away. “The family have requested that their wishes are respected at this difficult time.” Main image via Facebook/Drayton Manor