Girl, 11, who drowned at waterpark was a ‘beaming beacon of light’, father says

An 11-year-old girl who drowned during a birthday party at a waterpark was a “beautiful, beaming beacon of light”, her father has told an inquest.

Kyra Hill got into difficulty in a designated swimming area at Liquid Leisure near Windsor, Berkshire, on August 6 2022.

Her father, Leonard Hill, fought back tears as he read a pen portrait of his daughter to Berkshire Coroner’s Court on Tuesday.

“Kyra was a beautiful, beaming beacon of light in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her”, he said.

He added: “With her naturally enchanting, bright, and beautiful eyes – paired with the softest, sweetest and warmest smile – she captivated hearts effortlessly.

“A spirited individual, Kyra was resolute in her beliefs. She would stand up for what was right without hesitation, always the first to challenge a bully or defend a friend.

“Guided by an unwavering moral compass, she was a protector at heart, fiercely caring for her loved ones and always considering the feelings of others.”

His Manchester United-supporting daughter dreamed of becoming a professional footballer.

“Had that dream not become her reality, she had her back-up plan to pursue law and become a lawyer and fight for the truth, stating that she would ‘never defend evil people in court’,” he said.

At around 3.20pm, a 17-year-old lifeguard spotted Kyra struggling and dived in after her before leaving the water to radio her colleagues.

A manager attended rapidly but 37 minutes passed before 999 was called, senior coroner Heidi Connor previously said.

Around 13 minutes before emergency services were contacted the park owner attempted to phone a divemaster and off-duty firefighter, the inquest had heard.

The diver, Chris Knight, missed several calls and CCTV showed him first entering the water with an oxygen tank at 4.33pm.

Mr Knight previously told the inquest that he searched two parts of the lake before he was told that CCTV showed her going under at another location.

He found Kyra near the third area at around 5.09pm.

He said that as far as he was aware no-one had looked at the CCTV by the time he arrived at the park.