Hull schoolgirl repatriated after tragic swimming accident in France

An image taken from the Facebook page of Antony Lawson paying tribute to his daughter Jessica, who died in a swimming accident on a school trip to France.

Twelve-year-old Jessica Lawson was one of 24 students from Wolfreton School in Hull who were visiting an activity resort near Meymac in the Massif Central region of the country.

Jessica was taken to hospital in Limoges after an incident at the centre on July 21 when a pontoon the children had been jumping from on a lake reportedly overturned, but died on Wednesday morning.

Her family have said they wish to thank friends and the wider public for the support they have received, but request that their wishes for the funeral arrangements not to be made public.

They added that they want to grieve privately as they try to come to terms with their loss, and are asking that those who have not been formally invited to the funeral do not attend.

The family previously described Jessica as “the most beautiful and outgoing girl”, as French authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances of the death.

Flowers and tributes were outside Wolfreton School.

Speaking previously, one of Jessica’s sisters, Hannah Davison, said: “We are all heartbroken and devastated. Jess was the most beautiful and outgoing girl and I am proud to be her sister.

“I will live my life to the full just like she would have done.”

Dave McCready, head teacher at Wolfreton School, previously said Jessica’s death was a “terrible tragedy” and a “dreadful shock to the whole school community”.

He added: “As a parent myself I can only begin to imagine the pain felt by her parents and family at her death at such a young age.”

Pupils were interviewed by French authorities investigating the incident.

Counsellors were made available to help those affected and other senior staff travelled over to support the pupils.