Ukrainian refugee, 14, fell to her death from sea wall in Devon while walking on beach in dark, inquest told
A UKRAINIAN refugee fell to her death from a sea wall in Devon after going for a walk on the beach, an inquest heard.
Albina Yevko, who came to the UK from the war-torn country in 2022, had popped out to the shops at dusk but failed to return home.
The 14-year-old's worried mum Inna Yevko tried calling her numerous times but raised the alarm when her daughter did not answer.
Tragically, Albina was discovered unconscious on Dawlish beach on March 4 last year and died the following day.
An inquest heard today how the teen had multiple injuries consistent with a fall from a height.
Senior investigating police officer Becky Davies told Exeter and Greater Devon Coroner's Court Albina may have "lost" the edge of the wall in the dark and fell.
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She said there was no evidence of third party involvement and believed suicide was "highly unlikely".
PC Davies said the the sea wall, which sits between a railway line and the beach, had "no barrier, no lighting and no markings as to where the edge was".
The inquest was told there were seven deaths involving people falling from the wall, which is used as a coastal path, between 1974 and 1996.
Network Rail told the court it carries out “regular inspection and repair” at the site.
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Head of route safety, health and environment in the South West, Robert Warren, said railings were considered but these were "very difficult to install and maintain" due to coastal erosion.
He agreed that improved lighting or a white line on the wall would have mitigated the risk of Albina's death.
Albina was born in Ukraine but had been living with her mum at a flat in Dawlish at the time of her death.
Inna said in a written statement that her daughter "preferred to be in her own company" but was helpful and caring with others.
She told the court Albina was "happy" in the UK, had a small group of friends, enjoyed anime and manga books and would often go out for walks at around 6pm.
In a statement issued by police after Albina's death, she said: "Myself and my family are devastated to have lost our beautiful Albina.
"Nothing can ever replace her in our hearts."
