Tributes have been flowing in for Millie Ann Gentry, a 19-year-old nursing student from Gomersal, Cleckheaton, who tragically lost her life after a midnight swim in Ghana last year.

Millie was on a student placement in Ghana and had been volunteering at a hospital for just over two weeks when the incident occurred on March 17, 2023, reports the UK Mirror.

According to an inquest, Millie, along with her friend Erin Byrnes and another friend Lewis Mallinson, decided to go for a late-night swim at Busua, a beach resort where they were staying.

After having a few drinks at a pool bar, they ventured to the beach despite a 10 pm curfew.

Erin recounted in a statement how the waves "pulled us all in", leading to Millie's tragic drowning.

Erin, who wasn't a strong swimmer, said, "I laid on my back, screaming for help. I was so close to giving up," reports Yorkshire Live. She was eventually rescued from the sea while others continued to search for Millie.

According to the Mirror, Lewis, also volunteering in Ghana, testified that the sea was rough with strong currents, making it difficult for them to swim.

He had to leave Millie and Erin to call for help, and Erin was eventually rescued after about 30 minutes.

Tragically, Millie's body was found four hours later. A post-mortem examination revealed that she drowned and suffered a head injury in the water.

Millie's mother Tracy spoke at the inquest, describing her daughter as a compassionate individual with a passion for children's nursing. She shared Millie's dreams and the impact of her relationship with her boyfriend Elvis, who gave her the confidence to pursue her ambitions.

Christopher Holland from The Mighty Roar company, where Millie volunteered, emphasized the importance of safety protocols and warned against swimming at night.

Senior coroner Martin Fleming ruled Millie's death as an accident, concluding that she had hit her head in the water.

In memory of Millie, her friends initiated a Go Fund Me page to support her family, raising over £4,500. Messages poured in, remembering Millie's kindness, vibrant spirit, and the cherished memories she left behind.

Millie's family and friends wrote messages to remember her. One said: "Millie had the kindest and most purest soul, and we made some wonderful memories together.

"She was always an early bird and used to make me come to university a whole hour early so we wouldn't miss our lectures."

 Another friend shared: "Millie had the kindest soul and was such an amazing girl, we had so many memories together which I'll forever cherish and I feel so lucky to have been her friend."