Family tribute to girl killed in boat accident

The parents of an 11-year-old girl who died after she fell off a banana water sled and was struck by a speedboat have paid tribute to their "beautiful" daughter.

Mari-Simon Cronje was at a children's birthday party when she suffered fatal injuries in the accident in a lake at the Princes sports club, near Feltham, west London, on Saturday.

A 22-year-old man, understood to be the driver of the motorboat which had been towing the girl, was arrested and released on bail.

Mari-Simon was taken to West Middlesex Hospital in Isleworth, where she died.

The Princes Club, which closed after the incident to allow investigations to be carried out, said in a statement: "Princes Sporting Club and everyone associated with it is devastated by the accident that occurred on 11/9/10."

"At this terrible time our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Mari-Simon Cronje's family and friends.

Paramedics and police officers were called to the club in Clockhouse Lane, Bedfont, shortly before 5pm on Saturday.

Mari-Simon, from London, was treated by ambulance service staff before being taken to hospital, where she died the same day.