13-year-old girl dies at swimming pool [1]
Saturday, February 29, 2020 - 15:18. Updated on Saturday, February 29, 2020 - 22:46.
The body of a 13-year-old girl was recovered from the swimming pool at Touliki after 2:00pm today.
Tonga Police, who were first responders after she was located, attempted to resuscitate the young girl, who had been found in the pool.
However, the girl had already passed away, and she was taken on a police vehicle before the ambulance arrived.
Police have confirmed her age as 13 years, and are investigating the suspected drowning. A Coroner's report will be required to confirm the cause of death.
Lavengamalie student
Bystanders said the girl was missing after the Lavengamalie College athletics team were training beside the swimming pool on Saturday morning.
A search party including divers had been looking for her for several hours. Her family was present when searchers discovered her body in the water.
Police have not released her name. However, the deceased has been identified on social media as 'Elisapeti Heitonga, a Lavengamalie student.