The family of a 13-year-old girl are ‘heartbroken’ over her death, as police investigate a teenage boy arrested on suspicion of harassment.
Madison Richardson died in hospital on November 24 after emergency services were called to reports of a concern for welfare at an address in Manchester.
In the days following her death a full investigation was launched, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said.
A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of harassment and later bailed.
In a statement, Madison’s family said: ‘We are heartbroken and devastated by the sudden loss of our daughter, Maddie.
‘Maddie was a bubbly, loving character, she made everything into a joke, and she lit up every room that she was in.
‘Maddie had a laugh that everyone will remember her for.
‘Maddie filled every room with her presence, she was fun to be around and always made us laugh.
Madison Richardson died in hospital on November 24 after emergency services were called to reports of a concern for welfare at an address in Manchester
Pictured: A tribute ceremony for Madison – her family has asked that everyone attending wears pink
‘Maddie had a real passion for art, she was so talented, and we are so unbelievably proud of her creativity.
‘Maddie truly was one of a kind, she had a heart of gold and was fiercely protective of those she loved especially her siblings, who will miss her deeply.
‘There is a void in our lives, and we will miss Maddie sorely. We would like to mention the Charity YoungMinds who are a mental health charity for children and young people.’
James Docherty, executive headteacher of Teenage Kicks in Failsworth, also paid tribute to the teenage who he said had a ‘remarkable’ talent.
He said: ‘Maddie didn’t just make beautiful art – she made people feel special.
‘Even when she was having a rant, you knew deep down she didn’t mean it and she was soon back at the office door asking for something.
‘There was a gentleness in her, a kindness that flowed naturally, and it touched pupils and staff alike.
‘Maddie will forever be part of our school family, and she will be carried in our memories with love, pride, and endless appreciation for the light she brought into our lives.’
In the days following her death a full investigation was launched, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said
Her dad, Leon, posted a written tribute to his ‘baby girl’ on Facebook alongside multiple pictures
Police said the investigation into Madison’s death remained ongoing.
Detective Inspector Andrew Day, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: ‘Madison’s death is utterly heart-breaking for her friends and family, and I know that they are continuing to grieve as they face their first Christmas without her. Our thoughts remain with all of them at this time.
‘An arrest has been made in relation to allegations of harassment in the days leading up to her death, and while that boy has since been bailed, inquiries are very much ongoing.
‘We are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of Madison’s death, which includes if the actions of anyone else contributed to it, and ultimately, to try and get much-needed answers for her family.’
Posting on Facebook, her mum Tessa wrote: ‘Ohh baby girl I’m finding it so hard without you keep waiting for you to walk through the door and tell me its just a bad dream I’m having’.
She also shared pictures of a necklace of Madison’s face, framed by two angel wings.
Her dad, Leon, also posted tributes to his ‘baby girl’ on Facebook.
He wrote: ‘This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to even contemplate writing Madison Richardson you are and always will be my princess my angel and my first born child I love you so much you go rest and be free with the angels.. baby girl I’m so sorry RIP my beautiful little angel.’
Pictured: Madison holding her fathers hand as a young child
Pictured: Madison as a toddler. Her mum described her death as a ‘bad dream’ in a tribute on Facebook
He shared multiple pictures of Madison as a child, looking happy and holding his hand.
Madison’s funeral will be on December, 30, followed by a wake at a local cricket club.
Her family has asked that everyone attending wears pink.
Tributes have poured in with friends sharing support for Tessa on Facebook.
One person commented: ‘Awww sending strength, she would be so proud of you and Leon right now! Everyone’s got your backs.’
Anyone with information can contact police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2471 of November 24, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
