Casey-Louise, 13, died in hospital after being found unresponsive in Huddersfield flat as 16-year-old boy is bailed
Heartbroken relatives have paid tribute to a “beautiful” teenager who died after being discovered unresponsive at a flat in West Yorkshire, sparking a major police investigation into rape and murder.
Casey-Louise, 13, tragically passed away in hospital less than 24 hours after paramedics found her at a property on Sheepridge Road, Huddersfield, at around 11.36pm last Monday. The schoolgirl was rushed to hospital but died in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
A 16-year-old boy from Huddersfield was arrested on suspicion of murder and rape before being released on conditional bail on Friday as detectives continue their complex investigation into the unexplained death.
In an emotional tribute posted online, one of Casey-Louise’s relatives wrote: “Our family is absolutely devastated by this news. Suddenly and totally unexpected, on Tuesday 12th August our beautiful Casey-Louise gained her angel wings.”
The family member added: “Can you please respect our privacy and give us time to grieve as a family.”
Casey-Louise, who attended Mossley Hollins High School, was originally from Mossley in Greater Manchester but had been living in Liverpool at the time of her death. It is understood she was in the care system and had been visiting Huddersfield on Monday, the day before she was found unresponsive.
Friend Tina Cooper launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for the teenager’s funeral costs, describing Casey-Louise as a “vibrant happy 13-year-old with all her life ahead of her.”
“Our hearts go out to Casey’s family. No one should have to bury their child,” Ms Cooper wrote on the fundraising page. “Let’s help her family send their daughter on her final journey with dignity.”
The fundraising appeal has already raised more than £1,100 towards funeral expenses for the youngster.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team confirmed that a post-mortem examination had failed to establish how Casey-Louise died.
We are continuing to conduct a number of enquiries today following the death of a 13-year-old girl following an incident at a flat on Sheepridge Road,” DCI Atkinson said.
She added: “A post mortem was not able to determine how she died, and we continue to treat her death as unexplained at this time, pending more enquiries.
The senior detective warned that the investigation would be lengthy and complex. “Those enquiries are complex and are likely to be lengthy as we work to fully understand the circumstances of the girl’s death,” she said.
“Specially trained officers are supporting her family at this time.”
The arrested teenager has also been released on conditional bail in connection with a separate allegation of rape involving a 16-year-old girl elsewhere in Kirklees. West Yorkshire Police confirmed on Friday that enquiries into both incidents remain ongoing.
A force statement read: “A 16-year-old boy who was arrested following the death of a 13-year-old girl in Huddersfield, has been released on conditional police bail.
It continued: “Detectives are working to fully understand the circumstances of the girl’s death which is being treated as unexplained after a post mortem could not establish how she died.”
The statement added: “The 16-year-old was also released on conditional police bail regarding an offence of rape relating to a 16-year-old girl from a separate incident elsewhere in Kirklees. Enquires into both incidents remain ongoing by detectives.”
The death has sent shockwaves through the local community in Huddersfield, where police cordons remained in place around the Sheepridge Road property for several days. Officers have been conducting house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage as part of their investigation.
News of Casey-Louise’s death comes amid growing concerns about the safety of young people in care and those who are vulnerable. The teenager’s connection to the care system has raised questions about safeguarding procedures and support for looked-after children.
West Yorkshire Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 101. The force has emphasised that the investigation remains active and that detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding Casey-Louise’s death.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, with friends and well-wishers sharing memories of the teenager and offering condolences to her devastated family.
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