British teen Abbie Lainton died following a boat explosion on July 30

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A 16-year-old British cheerleader has died in a boating incident while on vacation with her family in the Caribbean.

Abbie Lainton, from Swindon, a town 80 miles west of London, died in the Dominican Republic on July 30, reportedly after suffering injuries due to an explosion on a boat, according to British publications, The Times and Metro.

Two of her siblings were also left “badly injured” in the incident, per the British news outlet ITV.

The teenager, who was awaiting results from her high school exams, was “so loved by her family, friends and everyone who knew her,” according to a GoFundMe page set up to help Abbie’s family.

“On 30th July 2026, Abbie Lainton tragically lost her life in a terrible accident while on holiday in the Dominican Republic. Becky and Gary have lost their beautiful 16-year-old daughter, and Carley and Bradley were also badly injured in the accident,” the page said.

“Abbie had her whole life ahead of her. She should have been enjoying the summer with her friends and looking forward to receiving her GCSE results,” it continued.

“For Abbie ❤️ Forever 16, forever loved and never forgotten,” the fundraiser added. It has since raised £22,733 (about $30,744) in donations.

The exact circumstances around the teen’s death have not been officially confirmed.

Abbie was a cheerleader and a cheer coach for her local team, Swindon Lightning, who described her as a “much-loved member” of their family.

“Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years,” the team wrote in an Instagram post.

“She brought so much light to our gym, and her loss has left us all heartbroken,” they added.

With Abbie’s mom’s blessing, Swindon Lightning said they were planning on opening the doors to their cheer gym on Sunday, Aug. 9, so their athletes could come together to “remember and celebrate Abbie.”

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“There is no agenda—just a space to be together, share memories, write messages for Abbie’s family, and remember the incredible young woman who meant so much to us all,” the post continued.

“If you would like to, please wear bright cheerwear or Swindon Lightning kit from over the years in honour of Abbie’s love for cheerleading and to reflect the bright, joyful personality she shared with everyone around her,” they added. “Above all else, this evening is about our love for Abbie.”

The Tanwood School for Performing Arts in Swindon also paid tribute to its former student.

“Abbie joined Tanwood as a dinky dot and was part of an exceptional group of dancers who formed strong friendships which spilled over to the audience when they performed together,” the school said in an Instagram post.

It added: “She always performed with a huge smile, and those beautiful feet! ❤️.”

Tanwood said that Abbie then joined Swindon Lightning, where she “excelled and competed all over the world.”

The U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told PEOPLE in a statement: “Our thoughts are with the Lainton family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support to the family and assisting other British nationals and their families affected by the incident. We are in contact with the local authorities.”