11-Year-Old Kaliyah Coa, Whose Body was Found in London's River Thames, Died from Cold Water Immersion, Not Drowning, Coroner Rules

Initial findings from an inquest have revealed that 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa, whose body was discovered in the River Thames in April, did not die by drowning but from the effects of cold water immersion. The East London Coroner's Court confirmed the preliminary cause of death during a hearing on May 2.

Coroner Graeme Irvine stated that Kaliyah likely entered the river in an attempt to retrieve a lost shoe and succumbed shortly afterward due to the frigid water temperature. “The effect of being in cold water would have caused unconsciousness and death relatively swiftly,” Irvine explained. Preliminary postmortem results support this conclusion, indicating immersion, not drowning, as the provisional cause of death. Further tests are still pending.

Kaliyah’s body was found on the morning of April 13 at Maritime Quay, nearly two weeks after she was reported missing on March 31. According to police, she had been off from school on the day she disappeared and was seen near the Barge House Causeway. A witness recalled seeing two children at the scene attempting to get help.

In a statement, Kaliyah’s family shared their grief: “Our hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same. We were blessed to have Kaliyah, even if it was for such a short time. She will be missed so much.” The family expressed gratitude to all who assisted in the search and requested privacy as they mourn.

Detective Superintendent Scott Ware echoed the family's sentiments, describing the incident as a “tragic accident” that took the life of a little girl loved by many. “Our specialist officers will continue to support Kaliyah’s family as they process this heartbreaking news,” he said, urging the public to avoid spreading misinformation online.