Tragedy at River Severn: Mother’s Plea After Teen Daughter Drowns in Weir

Welshpool, Powys, What began as an ordinary day turned into a nightmare for Michelle Guest when sirens and the sound of a helicopter signaled an unfolding emergency in her hometown. Moments later, she received devastating news, rescue teams were searching for her 15-year-old daughter, Holli Smallman, in the River Severn.

Michelle rushed to the weir, praying her daughter had somehow reached safety. But hours later, Holli’s body was found 65 feet from where she entered the water. She was pronounced dead at the scene and taken to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

Nearly a year on, the family continues to mourn as the 9th of August marks the first anniversary of Holli’s death. The teenager, who would have turned 16 in June, was a student at Welshpool High School and a member of the Army Cadets.

“I wish somebody would wake me from this nightmare,” said Michelle, a mother of seven. “She was happy, loved by all, and full of life.”

Michelle had spoken to Holli just the day before the tragedy about staying safe near the water. Though Holli could swim, she became trapped in the powerful backwash of the weir. A friend tried to save her but was unable to overcome the force of the current.

Since her daughter’s passing, Michelle has taken to social media to raise awareness about water safety and has been organizing fundraisers for related charities.

“I plead with all parents: talk to your children about the dangers. Water can take a life, it took my Holli.”

According to the National Water Safety Forum, Holli was among 193 accidental water-related deaths in the UK in 2024. Inland waterways accounted for 61% of these fatalities.

In Wales, water-related deaths have remained between 48 and 55 annually since 2020. Water Safety Wales continues its efforts to promote drowning prevention and water safety education.

Michelle hopes Holli’s story will be a wake-up call: “I don’t want another family to suffer this pain. One choice by the water can change everything.”