Tragedy at Baitings Reservoir: Police recover body of missing teenage girl after she fell into water near Ripponden.
Heartbreaking Find After Rescue Efforts
West Yorkshire Police confirmed a body was recovered in the search for a missing teenage girl who slipped into Baitings Reservoir on Wednesday afternoon.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene at 1.17pm on 28 May after reports the teenager entered the cold, deep water and failed to resurface. A multi-agency team including police, fire, ambulance, and specialist underwater divers launched a swift search operation.
The following afternoon, rescue teams found and retrieved the girl’s body from the reservoir. While formal identification is pending, police believe it is the missing teen. Her family has been notified and is receiving support.
Police Investigate, No Suspicion in Death
Detective Inspector Laura Hall from Calderdale’s Safeguarding Team said: “While formal identification is yet to take place, the girl’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers. My thoughts go out to her family and friends at this very sad time. Our enquiries continue into the death to establish exactly what happened yesterday, but we do not believe it to be suspicious.”
Baitings Reservoir near Ripponden is known to be a hazardous spot despite safety signs warning of its deep, cold waters.
Community Mourns as Police Seek Witnesses
The tragic incident has shaken the local community. Many took to social media to share their grief and send condolences to the family.
West Yorkshire Police urge anyone with information or who witnessed the event to call 101, quoting incident reference for 28 May 2025.
