What happened to Gaia Pope and when did she go missing?
A NEW BBC documentary is set to delve into the circumstances that lead to the death of 19-year-old Gaia Pope.
The series is also set to highlight her families’ search for truth and justice.
Who was Gaia Pope?
Gaia Pope, 19, was a teenager from Langton Matravers, Dorset.
She suffered from severe epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Gaia's dad, Richard Sutherland, had previously revealed that his daughter was left suffering with PTSD and was tormented by the thought of seeing a gang leader who assaulted her when she was 17.
He said: "This had a devastating effect. I think this had been coming back into her head. She was scared, confused."
Gaia was described by her family as a kind, bright, and brave young woman.
When did Gaia Pope go missing?
On Tuesday, November 7, 2017, Gaia Pope went missing in Swanage, Dorset.
Gaia was last seen on this date when CCTV captured her running past a house in Manor Gardens on Morrison Road.
She was also filmed in a petrol station buying ice cream.
Items of her clothing were found less than a mile away on November 16.
The teenager was missing for 11 days before her body was tragically found.
Where was Gaia Pope's body found?
On November 18, 2017, the body of Gaia Pope was found following a major police search involving dozens of officers, helicopters, the coastguard, and hundreds of volunteers.
The teenager's body was discovered by search teams in undergrowth between Dancing Ledge and Anvil Point, close to the Swanage coastal path.
During the police investigation, three people, two men aged 19 and 49 and a 71-year-old woman, were arrested.
They were released without any further action being taken.
What was Gaia Pope's cause of death?
An inquest into the teenager's death was held at Bournemouth Town Hall, led by Coroner Rachael Griffin.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Gaia had died of hypothermia after running away from her home while suffering a mental health crisis.
What has her family said?
After her body was found, Gaia's devastated family paid tribute to the "beautiful and creative" teenager.
Her sister Clara said: "I Just want to tell everybody that every minute of your hard work has been absolutely worth it.
"She is - I'm not going to say was and never will - the absolute light of my life. So beautiful, so emotionally wise and intelligent and so passionate and artistic and creative and understanding.
"And I will always, always, always be one of three. Always one of three. And I just want to thank everybody.
"Everyone. Every hug, every message has been, you know - one of three, that's all I have to say."
Marienna Pope-Weidemann, Gaia’s cousin added: "We want to thank each and everyone of you for everything you've done.
"If there is one ray of light in this nightmare it is the compassion, humanity and community spirit that you've shown over the last 10 days."
A new BBC documentary, titled Gaia: A Death on Dancing Ledge, will see Zara McDermott exploring whether officials did enough to support the teenager.
It will air on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on July 25, 2023.
Speaking ahead of the documentary, Gaia's family said they wanted "young people and survivors" watching to know that "they are not alone".
They told the BBC: ''Our hearts ache thinking about everything she was and all the possibilities of what she could have become.''
"With the release of this series, we're clinging on to the hope that we can be part of the change Gaia so desperately needed," the family added.