Nine-year-old Aria Thorpe tragically lost her life to a single stab wound to the chest at her home in Weston-super-Mare, an inquest opening has revealed.
Described as a “beautiful and kind” child, Aria was pronounced dead by paramedics at 6:58 pm on December 15. A 15-year-old boy, who remains unnamed due to his age, has been charged with her murder.
Coroner’s officer Andrew Eastwood confirmed at Avon Coroners’ Court on Friday: “The deceased died at her home address from a stab wound to her chest.”
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Dr. Peter Harrowing, Avon’s area coroner, ordered that a full post-mortem report be submitted by February 16. He named Aria’s family and the alleged suspect as interested parties in the case.
Due to ongoing legal proceedings, Dr. Harrowing explained that the case will not proceed to an inquest but will be reviewed on April 10. He clarified that this review will not be a court hearing and that further coronial action depends on the outcomes of police investigations and criminal processes.
The teenage suspect appeared at Bristol Crown Court on December 17. Judge Peter Blair KC, Recorder of Bristol, has provisionally scheduled the trial to begin on June 15, with an estimated duration of two weeks.
On December 15, Avon and Somerset Police responded to the Mead Vale area at 6:09 pm following a call from paramedics.
In heartfelt tributes following Aria’s death, her father, Tom Thorpe, remembered her as “a brave, kind-hearted, and beautiful innocent soul” who brought joy and laughter to those around her. Reflecting on family memories, he shared a cherished moment from a Disneyland trip where Aria’s joyful reaction to a princess show is “a picture that will last forever.”
Aria’s father added: “You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling.”
Her maternal family expressed profound grief, describing Aria as “the most beautiful little soul—happy-go-lucky, full of light and joy.” They recalled her love for singing, dancing, and dressing up, always eager to look like her mother. They said, “The loss of Aria has devastated us beyond words. Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible.”
The family emphasized their closeness and commitment to supporting one another through this unimaginable loss. They also expressed gratitude for the heartfelt messages from friends and the local community’s compassionate response during this difficult time.