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Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Daily Record
Young tourist fights for life as legs torn off in freak boat propeller accident
"Hannah was not intoxicated. She fell from the boat. It's hurtful to say she jumped because she did not." A young tourist is fighting for her life after having both legs torn off in a horror freak accident. Hannah Smith from Alabma remains in critical condition in hospital after she was sucked into a boat's propeller which tore both her legs off on a dream holiday to the Bahamas. The 22-year-old recently graduated with top honours for her arts degree at Miles College and was celebrating when the nightmare incident unfolded. Hannah fell from the side of a pontoon boat as it was docking and was suddenly dragged beneath the water by its propeller, leaving her with catastrophic injuries and partially severed legs. Her life was only saved thanks to the swift action of two female passengers, who managed to grab her arm and pull her back on board. Hannah was then rushed to a local hospital before being airlifted to the US for surgery, reports the Mirror. Sources told how alcohol may have played a role in the accident, with some claiming Hannah had jumped into the water. But mum Tracy Smith furiously hit back at the claims, saying: "Hannah was not intoxicated. She fell from the boat. It's hurtful to say she jumped because she did not." Tracy also questioned why police didn't interview Hannah's best friend Brooklyn Pitre - who had witnessed the accident. "These kids work their a***s off to graduate. It was a celebratory trip," she said. "Do they have fun? Yes. Were they drunk? No. Did she jump? No. Are we completely aware of what happened? No. "But could there have been a safety mechanism that was off, was the boat rocking, we are not 100% sure of that. There are so many things that could have been happening. I want to know the truth. This was a young woman, happy, celebrating her life and now she's fighting for it." Hannah's dad Marvin said he had spoken to the doctor treating Hannah at Doctors Hospital in Nassau, and everything he told him "suggested she was coherent" and "not inebriated" when she arrived. To celebrate her graduation on May 3, Hannah booked the luxury Caribbean cruise via the Carnival Sunrise ship. She and pal Brooklyn were on their way back from an excursion to Pearl Island - a tropical getaway known for its swimming pigs and dolphins - when she reportedly fell into the water moments after the pontoon ferry arrived on the Nassau Cruise Port at 3.55pm. The ferry's captain immediately turned off the engine when he heard panicked cries of "she jumped off" and a loud noise coming from the boat's starboard. He then saw Hannah in the water surrounded by a pool of blood. A witness told police two female passengers grabbed Hannah's arm and dragged her back onto the boat before she was rushed to hospital with "serious" injuries to her legs and lower body. The 22-year-old was then flown to the US Wednesday where she has undergone further surgeries. Marvin described his daughter as a "scholar, leader and community advocate" in a GoFundMe appeal set up to help the family cover the mounting medical bills. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. He said: "Hannah graduated at the top of her class with Summa Cum Laude, from Miles College, earning respect and admiration from her peers, professors and sorority sisters. Known for her dedication to service, academic excellence and uplifting others, Hannah now finds herself in need of the community's support. Hannah was tragically injured in an accident that has left her facing multiple surgeries, long term rehabilitation and mounting medical bills." Hannah's older sister Rachel added: "Hannah is light. Hannah is love. Hannah is absolutely HER. 'Our little sister is nothing short of a headache but we wouldn't want her any other way. She is literally the strongest of us all (She's a gym rat). We're praying you continue to be the strongest and fight for your life, your dreams and aspirations. This boating accident will not define your life. We need you to have many more birthdays, more holidays, more life experiences." The Royal Bahamas Police said an investigation into the freak accident was ongoing, adding in a statement: "The victim is alleged to have entered the water from a vessel she was a passenger on while it was attempting to dock. She sustained serious injuries to her lower body, caused by the vessel's propeller."
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Fundraiser launched to support family of 'wonderful' girl, 3, killed in tram and van crash
A fundraiser has been launched to support the family of 'sweet' and 'caring' Lulu Palmisano, who tragically died following a collision between a tram and a van in Manchester city centre. Lulu had been on a day out with her family on February 22 this year when a van driven by Rawal Rehman hit a tram on Mosley Street and careered onto the pavement, killing her. Rehman pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on Tuesday (April 22) after a court heard he had 'at least 20 lines of cocaine' before the incident. Friends of Lulu's 'devastated and heartbroken' family have now shared a GoFundMe to help them 'navigate this incredibly difficult time' and 'focus on mourning and healing', adding any extra funds will go towards a memorial ensuring Lulu's 'beautiful spirit' will be remembered forever. READ MORE: People in Greater Manchester area set to be charged for garden waste collections from June 1 READ MORE: Cocaine in a shoe, cash in a crisp packet and a runaway boss in a pink dressing gown - inside 'JJ' drugs gang as brothers' empire is smashed Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Family friends Greg and Azra said the 'wonderful' three-year-old had 'touched the lives of so many' and 'had a bright and promising future' ahead of her. "It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Lulu Palmisano," they wrote on the fundraising platform. "Lulu was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed. She touched the lives of so many, and as friends of her parents, it is now our turn to support her family in their time of need. "We are raising funds to help Lulu's family navigate this incredibly difficult time. There are many immediate and unforeseen costs they now face. Donations will assist with these urgent needs, including counselling, time away from work, and other financial pressures that arise as they grieve and adjust. Our hope is to ease the burden so that Lulu's family can focus on mourning and healing. Any extra funds will contribute to a memorial in her honour, ensuring her beautiful spirit is forever remembered. "Young and wonderful Lulu tragically passed away during a family day out in Manchester on Saturday, 22nd February 2025. "Her family is devastated and heartbroken. Lulu was only three years old. She loved going to nursery, adored Bluey, enjoyed reading, and had a bright and promising future ahead of her. "As family friends, we often received updates on Lulu and heard about her sweet and kind nature at home and nursery, along with pictures of a very happy little girl. We know that nothing can bring Lulu back, but we hope that coming together in her memory will allow us all to pay tribute to a wonderful, caring, and beautiful soul. "We sincerely appreciate any support you can give during this incredibly painful time. "Greg and Azra, on behalf of the Palmisano family." Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, they added: "At this time we are happy to have the Manchester Evening News support the GoFundMe campaign with sharing the link. We would like to express our thanks and appreciation to the support and kindness we have received from the GoFundMe supporters so far and thank you to anyone else who decides to support in the future." Paying tribute to Lulu in a statement released via the police, her family said: 'Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl. She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day. 'Her absence has left a devastating void in our family—she was our only child, our whole world. We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair. "The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express." You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
