19-year-old British nursing student, Millie Ann Gentry, has drowned during a midnight swim in Ghana and it has left her family, friends, and community heartbroken.
Millie, from Gomersal, Cleckheaton, was participating in a one-month volunteering stint at a hospital in Ghana as part of her nursing studies at Bradford University when the incident occurred in the early hours of March 17 last year.
Millie and two friends, Erin Byrnes and Lewis Mallinson, ventured out for a late-night swim at Busua, a beach resort where they were staying.
Despite a 10pm curfew, the trio slipped out around 12.30am after spending the evening at a pool bar.
The relaxing swim quickly turned perilous as they were caught by strong currents and towering waves.
Erin Byrnes, in a statement, recounted the harrowing moments when she realized Millie had drowned, despite her desperate attempts to save her.
Erin herself narrowly escaped the grips of the sea, thanks to the efforts of Lewis and local villagers.
The community’s rescue efforts brought sorrow when Millie’s body was discovered four hours later, confirming the devastating loss.
An inquest revealed that Millie had drowned and also suffered a head injury.
Her mother, Tracy, painted a picture of Millie as a dedicated and compassionate individual, destined for a promising career in children’s nursing, and highlighted the depth of her character – kind, intelligent, and beautiful.
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Millie’s life was a beacon of potential, embarking on what her family saw as the biggest adventure of her young life.
She was remembered as not just a diligent student but also a cherished friend and a beloved daughter, whose relationship with her boyfriend, Elvis, had given her newfound confidence and aspirations.
The Mighty Roar company, with whom Millie was volunteering, emphasized their safety advisories, including the risks of nighttime swimming.
The circumstances of Millie’s death—a missed curfew and the consequent decision to scale a wall for a beach swim—led to a ruling of accidental death by Senior Coroner Martin Fleming.
In memory of Millie, her friends established a GoFundMe page, raising over £4,500 to support her family, reflecting the community’s outpouring of love and remembrance for a life cut tragically short.
Millie’s story is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others.
Her legacy, marked by her kindness, dedication, and adventurous spirit, will continue to inspire and resonate with all who knew her.
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