Family pays tribute to daughter, 13, as Greater Manchester police investigate death | UK news
A family have paid tribute to their “one of a kind” 13-year-old daughter after her death a month ago, as police said they would continue to investigate the full circumstances.
A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of child molestation and later released on bail following the death of Madison Richardson.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester police said Madison died in hospital on November 24 after emergency services were called at 5.30pm following a welfare concern at an address in Manchester.
On Christmas Eve, Madison’s family paid tribute to their daughter.
They said in a statement: “We are heartbroken and devastated by the sudden loss of our daughter Maddie. Maddie was a bubbly, loving character who turned everything into a joke and lit up any room she was in.”
“Maddie had a laugh that everyone will remember her by! Maddie filled every room with her presence, was fun to be around and always made us laugh. Maddie had a true passion for art, was very talented and we are incredibly proud of her creativity.”
“Maddie was truly one of a kind, she had a heart of gold and was fiercely protective of those she loved, especially her siblings, who will miss her greatly. There is a void in our lives and we will miss Maddie dearly.”
Madison’s parents added that they also wanted to mention the mental health charity. YoungMinds.
James Docherty, executive headteacher Teenage Kicks school in FailsworthHe also paid tribute to the teenager, saying he had an “extraordinary” talent.
He said: “Maddie was an incredibly creative young girl, someone who saw the world through colour, ideas and imagination. Whether she was sketching, painting or transforming herself with her incredible face painting skills, Maddie had the ability to transform ordinary moments into something magical.”
“Maddie didn’t just make beautiful art, she made people feel special. Even as she was saying it, you knew deep down she didn’t mean it, and soon she turned to the office door and asked for something. There was a kindness about her, a kindness that flowed naturally, that touched students and staff alike.”
“Maddie will forever be a part of our school family and will be carried through our memories with love, pride and endless appreciation for the light she brought to our lives.”
Detective Andrew Day said Madison’s death was “completely heartbreaking” for her friends and family as it was their first Christmas without her.
He added: “An arrest was made in relation to allegations of abuse in the days before his death and that boy has since been released on bail while investigations remain very much ongoing.
“We continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding Madison’s death, including whether anyone else’s actions contributed to it, and ultimately seek much-needed answers for his family.”
Anyone with information was asked to contact police.
