A nine-year-old girl died at home from a single stab wound to the chest, an inquest hearing has 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.
“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.
