Key Points:
- Kaliyah Yeabselet Coa, 11, vanished in the River Thames on 31 March while playing in North Woolwich.
- She was last seen on a concrete slipway at Barge House Causeway, reportedly attempting to retrieve a lost shoe.
- Her body was found near Maritime Quay, Canary Wharf on 13 April, two weeks later.
- Preliminary cause of death determined as “immersion”, not drowning.
- East London Coroner’s Court opened the inquest on 2 May, led by Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine.
- Identification confirmed via dental records.
- No indication of third-party involvement, according to post-mortem.
- Final inquest scheduled for 11 November 2025.
- Family issued a public statement and requested privacy.
- Det Supt Scott Ware warned against speculation online.
An inquest has opened into the death of 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa, who went missing in the River Thames in East London on 31 March, with the coroner suggesting she may have entered the water while retrieving a lost shoe.
What happened to Kaliyah Coa in North Woolwich?
According to Charles Thomson, reporting for Newsquest Media Group, the court heard that Kaliyah Yeabselet Coa was playing with friends on a concrete slipway at Barge House Causeway, North Woolwich, when she entered the water.
Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine stated as reported by Romford Recorder, Charles Thomson:
“It would appear that the witness accounts suggest that Kaliyah’s entry into the water was as a result of trying to retrieve a lost shoe, but that will be something that will be examined later at an inquest.”
When and where was Kaliyah Coa’s body found?
Kaliyah’s body was discovered on 13 April in Maritime Quay, near Canary Wharf, following an extensive two-week search by police and rescue teams. Her identity was confirmed through dental records.
What caused Kaliyah’s death?
A post-mortem examination was conducted by Professor Alan Bates at East Ham Public Mortuary. The coroner revealed there were no signs of trauma or drowning, stating as reported by Romford Recorder, Charles Thomson:
“Professor Bates has indicated that there was no pathology evidence that he could point to that would suggest that Kaliyah’s death was caused by the action or inaction of any other person.”
He added:
“Her body did not show the characteristic signs of drowning,” instead determining the cause of death as “immersion”, which Mr Irvine described as “the effect of being immersed into cold water.”
What issues will the inquest investigate?
The coroner said the full inquest would likely examine potential missed opportunities to prevent Kaliyah’s death. He commented as reported by Romford Recorder, Charles Thomson:
“If the family have concerns regarding the death, I will need to hear about them and I will listen to them closely.”
He noted the inquest may require information from those responsible for the waterways and the slipway.
Further, Mr Irvine said the court would need to determine:
- Whether Kaliyah was able to swim
- Whether she was being supervised by an adult at the time
What has the family said?
In a public statement issued earlier this week as reported by Romford Recorder, Charles Thomson, Kaliyah’s family said:
“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. Kaliyah went to a birthday party and never returned home to her family.”
They also extended their appreciation to the rescue teams:
“The family would like to thank all those who were involved in the search and recovery of Kaliyah.”
Requesting privacy, they added:
“We sincerely hope that everyone will respect our wishes to be given the space and time to grieve as a family.”
What has the police said about the case?
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, reaffirmed the family was being supported by specialist officers.
He stated as reported by Romford Recorder, Charles Thomson:
“Our specialist officers will continue to support Kaliyah’s family as they process this heart-breaking news.”
He also urged against misinformation and rumours:
“I echo her family’s request for privacy while they navigate the difficult road ahead, and urge the public to refrain from wholly inaccurate speculation both on and offline.”
When is the final inquest?
The full inquest hearing into the death of Kaliyah Coa is scheduled to be held on 11 November 2025, during which all relevant evidence and testimonies will be reviewed in depth.
