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Student Millie died during a midnight swim

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date29 March 2024
Publication titleHuddersfield Daily Examiner
Nursing student Millie Ann Gentry, who was 19 and from Gomersal, Cleckheaton, was just over two weeks into a one-month volunteering placement at a hospital in Ghana, West Africa, when tragedy struck in the early hours of March 17 last year

Millie had been staying in lodgings in Busua, a beach resort, with her friend Erin Byrnes, from Halifax, when they decided to go for a swim in the sea just after midnight along with another friend, Lewis Mallinson, an inquest was told.

The friends had gone to a pool bar, had a couple of drinks and were then told to return to their room as there was a 10pm curfew. The friends went back to the lodge but at around 12.30am decided to go to the beach for a swim.

In a statement, Erin described how the waves 'pulled us all in' and how she had attempted to lift Millie up while screaming for help, but she could see that she had drowned.

Erin was eventually pulled out of the sea while others continued to search for Millie. Lewis Mallinson, who was also volunteering in Ghana, said they had been in the sea for around 15 minutes and the current was 'very strong.' .

She was woman promise dedicated helping Martin

In a statement, Lewis said Millie and Erin were 'struggling' and added: "I had no choice but to leave them and call for help." He said Erin was rescued after around 30 minutes. Around four hours later, Millie's body was found, he added. Around 30 villagers had joined the rescue efforts.

A post mortem examination found that Millie had drowned and had suffered a head injury while in the sea.

The inquest heard from Millie's mum Tracy, who provided a statement on behalf of the family. She described Millie as a 'beautiful girl' who had decided to dedicate her life to children's nursing. Millie, who had three siblings, had been studying for a degree in nursing at Bradford University and was 'a muchloved daughter.' .

Tracy said Millie was kind and had the 'biggest heart' as well as being clever. She had been reluctant to go places until she had...

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