Overview
- Palwasha Akbar, 13, was reported missing and pulled from the River Wharfe near Burnsall on 31 May and later died in hospital despite efforts by members of the public and medics.
- Her family have paid tribute to her as a "bright, kind and caring" Year 9 pupil and launched a GoFundMe to raise money in her memory.
- Bronte Girls' Secondary Academy in Bradford described Palwasha as a much‑loved student and said the school community is deeply saddened by her death.
- North Yorkshire Police thanked members of the public who helped at the scene and confirmed emergency services, including an air ambulance, responded to the incident.
- An inquest into Palwasha’s death is scheduled to open at Northallerton coroner's court on 18 June and the case is being reported in the wider context of several recent open‑water fatalities during the late‑May heatwave.