Inquest launch told 9yr old Aria Thorpe died from chest stab wound
- Dan Heley
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Speaking at Avon Coroners’ Court, coroner’s officer Andrew Eastwood said the young girl died at her home from a stab wound to the chest.
Avon area coroner Dr Peter Harrowing ordered that a full post-mortem report be completed by February 16.
He identified Aria’s family and the alleged perpetrator as interested parties in the case.
Due to ongoing legal proceedings, Dr Harrowing said the matter would not yet be scheduled for a full inquest, but instead set for a review on April 10.
He stressed that this review would not be a court hearing and that any further coronial action would depend on the outcome of police investigations or subsequent criminal proceedings.
A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has already appeared at Bristol Crown Court charged with Aria’s murder. Judge Peter Blair KC, Recorder of Bristol, has provisionally set the trial for June 15, with proceedings expected to last two weeks.
Avon and Somerset Police were first alerted to the incident by paramedics, who contacted them at 6.09pm on December 15 after attending the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare.
Following Aria’s death, her father Tom Thorpe paid tribute to her, describing her as a brave, kind and innocent soul who brought joy to everyone around her.
He recalled her “playful personality, her ability to make people smile”, and treasured memories such as a family trip to Disneyland, “where her delight during a princess show left a lasting impression”
He also spoke of the special bond Aria shared with family members in Portsmouth and how deeply she would be missed, calling her “a special little angel” whose life was taken far too soon.
Aria’s maternal family also shared a tribute, describing her as “a beautiful, joyful child who loved singing, dancing and dressing up to look like her mother.”
They said “her loss had left them heartbroken beyond words and that they were supporting one another through an unimaginable time.”
The family added that they had been deeply moved by the messages of support received from friends and members of the local community.