Fiona Lamdin,West of England home and social affairs correspondent, in Avon Coroners Courtand
Beth Cruse,West of England
Family handoutA nine-year-old girl died at home from a single stab wound to the chest, an inquest opening heard.
Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead at her home in Lime Close, Weston-super-Mare, by paramedics at 18:58 GMT on 15 December 2025.
An inquest into her death opened at Avon Coroners Court earlier and was adjourned until 10 April.
A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been charged with her murder and is next due to appear at Bristol Crown Court in March.
Coroner’s officer Andrew Eastwood told the court: “The deceased died at her home address from a stab wound to her chest.”
He listed interested persons in the case as Aria’s family, and the alleged perpetrator.
Dr Peter Harrowing, area coroner for Avon, directed that the full post-mortem report should be provided by February 16.
Family photographIn a tribute released previously, Aria’s family said she was a “happy-go-lucky” little girl who was “full of light and joy”.
“The loss of Aria has devastated us beyond words,” the family said.
“Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible.”
Aria’s father Tom Thorpe, from Portsmouth, added that her death was “devastating”.
“You will be greatly missed, you special little angel,” he said.
