A nine-year-old schoolgirl died at her home address after suffering a single stab wound to her chest, a coroner's court has heard.
Inquest Opens Into Tragic Death
Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead by paramedics at her home in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, just before 7pm on December 15, 2025. An opening inquest at Avon Coroners' Court was told the youngster could not be saved.
Coroner's officer Andrew Eastwood stated the cause of death was a stab wound to the chest. Area coroner Dr Peter Harrowing directed that a full post-mortem report be provided by February 16.
Police Investigation and Court Proceedings
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed officers were called to the address by the ambulance service just before 6.10pm on the day of Aria's death. A 15-year-old boy was subsequently charged with murder. Due to his age, he cannot be named for legal reasons.
The teenager appeared at Bristol Crown Court, where Judge Peter Blair KC set a provisional trial date for June 15 this year. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
Dr Harrowing listed interested persons in the coronial case as Aria's family and the alleged perpetrator. Because other proceedings are ongoing, the inquest was not listed for a hearing but for a review on April 10. The coroner added that any further coronial proceedings would depend on the outcome of the police investigation and any criminal trial.
Family Pays Heartbreaking Tribute
In a moving tribute issued after her death, Aria's father, Tom Thorpe, described his daughter as a "brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul" who lit up the lives of those around her.
"You always put a smile on people’s faces with your wacky ways and just outright madness," he said. He recalled a cherished family memory of her joy during a trip to Disneyland, watching a princess show.
Aria's family on her mother's side also paid tribute, saying: "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. She loved to sing and dance."
The family statement continued, "The loss of Aria has devastated us beyond words. Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible." They added that they are supporting each other through this unimaginable time.
