The heartbroken family of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe have spoken of their devastation after she was fatally stabbed at a property in Weston-super-Mare.
A Tragic Loss in Mead Vale
Aria Thorpe died at a home in the Mead Vale area on Monday, December 15. The incident sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted an immediate police response.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested nearby shortly after the tragedy. He appeared in court today, charged with Aria's murder, and was remanded in custody. A potential trial is scheduled for June.
A Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
In an emotional statement, relatives from Aria's mother's side described the profound loss. "For those who didn't have the privilege of knowing Aria, she was the most beautiful little soul — happy-go-lucky, full of light, and joy," they said.
They remembered a child who loved to sing and dance, and who took great pride in dressing up, always aiming to look just like her mother. "The loss of Aria has devastated us beyond words. Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible," the family added.
They expressed gratitude for the support received, stating: "We are truly touched by the lovely messages we have received from friends and the local community over recent days. It has meant an awful lot to us all."
A Father's Unimaginable Grief
Aria's father, Tom Thorpe, shared his own poignant memories, struggling to articulate his grief. "It's hard to put into words how devastating it is, our little Aria, that you're up there with the angels looking over us," he said.
He recalled the small, cherished moments now lost: the questions on long car journeys, the maths games she called "numbers" to stave off boredom, and preparing her favourite breakfast of buttery crackers, grapes, and yoghurt.
"You were such a brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul," Mr Thorpe said. "You always put a smile on people's faces with your wacky ways and just outright madness."
He fondly remembered a family trip to Disneyland, noting: "seeing your face light up when we were watching the princess show was a picture that will last forever in our minds."
Mr Thorpe, speaking for Aria's "other little family" in Portsmouth, concluded: "You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling."
The family have asked for privacy as they support one another through this unimaginable time.
