A schoolgirl killed in Leeds last month in what was said to be a row over a boy suffered a ‘violent death’ after a single stab wound to her chest, an inquest has heard.
Chloe Watson Dransfield, 16, was pronounced dead less than an hour after being found unresponsive on the pavement at Kennerleigh Avenue, Leeds, despite the attempts of neighbours to save her.
Three teenagers have been charged with her murder and will face trial in November.
Kayla Smith, 18, Archie Rycroft, 19, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons have all been charged with murder.
A 14-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail.
Opening the inquest at Wakefield Coroner’s Court on Thursday, coroner Oliver Longstaff said a post-mortem report on March 28 found Chloe died from a single stab wound to her chest.
She died at 6.37am that day at Leeds General Infirmary after being taken to hospital in an ambulance from where she was found.
Mr Longstaff said Chloe had met a ‘violent death’ and suspended the inquest until the end of the criminal trial.
Chloe Watson Dransfield, from Gomersal, West Yorkshire, died after suffering a single stab wound, an inquest heard
She was described by her family as a ‘loyal, honest, family oriented princess’ after her death last month
As part of a GoFundMe fundraiser, a woman who claimed to be a cousin said Chloe’s ‘life was taken in a flash over a boy’.
The Daily Mail reported last month that Chloe had been in a relationship with a 17-year-old boy for around a year and a half.
But friends said the relationship was ‘volatile’ and that six weeks before her death, she learned he had been unfaithful to her.
It is understood that the boy was present with Chloe at a party in a bungalow in the quiet Austhorpe area of the city.
Chloe, who had recently secured a college placement to study hair and beauty, had messaged a friend asking to be picked up shortly before being attacked.
At the family home near Cleckheaton, Chloe’s uncle Christopher Watson said: ‘She was a beautiful young lady with her whole life ahead of her. She just got a placement to go to college. She didn’t drink or smoke. She had her head screwed on.
‘She just met the wrong boy.’
Detectives investigating Chloe’s death said they believed a mobile phone video showing the attack was ‘circulating across social media’.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwhistle said: ‘We need that video. Chloe’s family need answers as to why she died.
‘This senseless and tragic death has caused unimaginable grief for Chloe’s family, friends and across communities.
‘We have charged three people but we are still working to piece together everything that went on that night.
‘My appeal is to anyone who has seen that video or knows of that video or anyone who has that video to please get in touch.’
Chloe’s family paid tribute to their ‘beautiful princess’.
Her mother said: ‘I cannot put into words how I feel that you are not here with me.
‘Your two sisters and big brother will always love and miss you to infinity… you will always and forever be in our hearts.’
Officers were called to Kennerleigh Avenue, a quiet street of bungalows in the suburb of Austhorpe, Leeds, where Chloe was found
Chloe, 16, was allegedly stabbed to death in a row over a boy after attending a party
Her father added: ‘We miss every single thing about her. She was beautiful, full of joy and had a wonderfully cheeky personality.
‘Chloe was loved by everyone who knew her and the absence she leaves behind is immeasurable.’
On Thursday evening there was a mass balloon release at the Nibshaw Lane Football Pitch, near Chloe’s home in Gomersal, to commemorate her life.
Her family wrote on Facebook: ‘Please join us as we come together to remember and celebrate Chloe’s life. Let’s fill the sky with pink balloons in her honor and show our love and support. Everyone is welcome.’
Chloe was a pupil at BBG Academy in Birkenshaw. Principal Danielle Williams said: ‘The whole community at BBG Academy has been shocked and saddened at the news of Chloe’s tragic death.
‘The loss of a young life with such potential for the future is a real blow to students and colleagues and an unimaginable loss to her family. Chloe was devoted to her family, a fiercely loyal friend with a big heart and happy disposition.
‘Many students have known Chloe as a funny, vibrant girl since primary days, and she leaves a heartbreaking gap in our school community.’
