First picture of girl, 13, who died after ‘getting into difficulty in sea’ in Whitley Bay

This is the first picture of a teenage girl who tragically died days after being pulled from the sea in Whitley Bay.

Edie Smart, 13, came into difficulty in the water as she swam off the Northumbria coast on Thursday.

She was rushed to hospital by air ambulance in a critical condition but passed away on Monday.

Eye-witnesses said it was the ‘worst thing they had ever seen’ when she was found in the ocean.

One told ITV: ‘They were throwing lifebelts off the top to try and get to her, then RNLI came in the big boat and launched the dinghy and a lifeguard went out on a surfboard to try help but got washed off the surfboard so ended up swimming.’

A police spokesman said: ‘Shortly before 5pm on Thursday, we received a report of concern for the welfare of a teenage girl who had come into difficulty in the water near Whitley Bay beach.

‘Emergency services attended, and 13-year-old Edie Smart, from the Monkseaton area, was rescued from the water.

‘She was taken to hospital where, despite the efforts of medical staff – she tragically passed away today.’

DCI Emma Smith said: ‘This is an extremely tragic incident, and our deepest condolences go to Edie’s family and friends.

‘Our specially trained officers will continue to provide them with the support they need at this time.

‘We ask that their privacy be respected as they begin to come to terms with the loss of their loved one.’