A TOWN will gather in silence this weekend to pay tribute to the little girl who died after the car she was in plunged into the river Avon.

A minute’s silence is being planned at 1.30pm in Evesham’s Market Square on Sunday in memory of Gabrielle “Gabby” Grady – one week to the time she passed away peacefully at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Gabby was trapped when her dad’s car drove into the river. She was recovered by police divers, but died three days later in hospital.

Her six-year-old brother Ryan, also a passenger in the Vauxhall Vectra, was pulled from the water at the town’s Hampton Ferry, off Boat Lane, by police officers and has since recovered.

Her father Chris, was also rescued from the river, and has since been charged with the attempted murder of his children.

Dozens of flooral tributes have been left in the square by shocked people as a mark of respect for Gabby who has been described as “bubbly, sparkly, funny and sweet” by her family.

Among the flowers, messages, poems and cuddly toys, is a teddy bear holding a heart and a single red rose from the children’s mother, Kim Wise, aged 36, of Boat Lane, Evesham.

On the attached card she has written: “You are the most beautiful baby. You’re in my heart forever and ever and ever sweetheart. Miss you so much. Love you with all my heart baby girl, Mommy xxxx”

Close by, a cuddly dog toy bears the message: “To the bestest most beautiful sister in the whole world. Lots and lots of love hugs and kisses forever Ryan, Meg, Bob and Auntie Ria xxxx”

Many of the gifts left are from young children.

On a card attached to a cuddly Eeyore toy, in a child’s handwriting, it says: “To Gabby. I am leaving my teddy to look after you. Love Aimee Davies.xxx”

It is hoped Sunday’s silence will be marked by a balloon release, subject to organisers getting permission.

As previously reported in your Worcester News, thousands of people have joined several pages on the social networking site Facebook dedicated to Gabby.

Meanwhile, Worcester-shire coroner Geraint Williams has been informed of Gabby’s death and a post-mortem examination was due to take place in Birmingham yesterday.

:: Chris Grady, aged 41, of no fixed address, is due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court today.

He has been charged with the attempted murders of Ryan and Gabrielle Grady, but in light of Gabrielle’s death, one of the charges is expected to be changed to murder.