A 14-year-old Ukrainian refugee may have fallen off the beach following an accidental survey

A Ukrainian refugee schoolgirl found unconscious on a Devon beach “probably” fell from a jetty to her death, an inquest has concluded.

Albina Yevko, 14, who came to the UK from the war-torn country in April 2022, was reported missing on the evening of March 4 last year and was later found unconscious next to the wall on Dawlish beach.

Albina had gone for a walk to the shops at dusk, and when she did not return, her mother, Inna Yevko, tried to call her numerous times, but she did not answer.

She was airlifted to hospital in Exeter, where she died the following morning.

Coroner Alison Longhorn concluded at Exeter and Greater Devon Coroner’s Court on Tuesday that Albina’s death was accidental.

She said: “It is likely he was walking along the sea wall when he fell.”

The inquest heard from investigating officer Becky Davies, who said she believed Albina may have “missed” the edge of the wall in the dark and fallen, saying she thought suicide was “highly unlikely”.

Ms Davies said the breakwater, which sits between a railway line and the beach, was “well above head height” and had “no barrier, no lighting and no markings as to where the edge was”.

The Devon and Cornwall Police officer added that Albina was found “face down” with a wet face, dry hair and “messy” clothes, believed to have fallen while the tide was high.

Network Rail owns the wall, which people use as a coastal path, and carries out “regular inspections and repairs”, the inquest heard.

Robert Warren, Network Rail’s head of route safety, health and environment in the South West, said the railings were considered following a risk assessment of the wall in 2015.

However, Mr Warren said it would be “very difficult to install and maintain”.

He continued, “We found ourselves limited in what we could install there that would actually resist erosion.”

The risk assessment also recommended the installation of signs informing people of the edge and the possible “uneven or slippery” surface.

Asked by Ms Longhorn if the signs were checked after this, Mr Warren said: “I don’t think so.”

Mr Warren agreed that improved lighting or a white line on the wall would have lessened the risk of the Bee’s death.

The inquest heard about seven “fatal incidents” involving people falling from the wall between 1974 and 1996.

Another risk assessment is underway, with the railing, anchoring systems, lighting and signage being considered, the inquest heard.

Mr Warren said: “I think the risk assessment demonstrates how seriously we take risk under our management.”

Asked if he thought Network Rail had done the right thing to ensure the safety of the wall, he added: “Ultimately, yes.”

A post-mortem examination revealed Albina’s cause of death as multiple injuries which were “consistent with a fall from a height”, the inquest heard.

Albina was born in Ukraine but lived with her mother in a flat in the seaside town while attending Dawlish College.

Ms Yevko said in a written statement that her daughter “preferred to be in her own company” but was helpful and caring to others.

She said Albina was “happy” in the UK, had a small group of friends, liked anime and manga books and often went out for walks around 6pm.

In a statement issued by police after Albina’s death, Ms Yevko said: “My family and I are devastated to have lost our beautiful Albina.

“Nothing can ever replace her in our hearts.”