Family photographThe family of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who died from a single stab wound in Weston-super-Mare on Monday, have described her as “the most beautiful little soul”.
“Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible,” they said in a statement.
Aria’s father Tom Thorpe said her death was “devastating” and added: “You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling.”
A 15-year-old boy appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday charged with her murder.
Aria’s family on her mother’s side said: “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, and she took such pride in dressing up, always wanting to look just like her mummy.
“As a family, we are holding one another close and doing everything we can to support each other through this unimaginable time.
“We are truly touched by the lovely messages we have received from friends and the local community over recent days. It has meant an awful lot to us all.”
Family photographIn a separate statement, her father said: “How sad it’s going to be not hearing ‘Dad, how long left?’ on our long journeys back and forth at weekends.
“You were such a brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul. You always put a smile on people’s faces with your wacky ways and just outright madness.
“Your other little family down here in Portsmouth will forever miss you.
“You always found it so easy to show your affection to others and ensure others around you were happy and never bored!
“You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling.”
Dozens of bouquets of flowers have been left in tribute to Aria in Lime Close, the residential street where she died.
Police said a post-mortem examination had found her preliminary cause of death was a single stab wound.
The 15-year-old suspect, who was arrested in nearby Worle a short time after Aria died on Monday evening, has been set a provisional trial date of 15 June 2026.