Tributes to ‘beautiful’ autistic girl, seven, who drowned in golf course pond

Tributes have been paid to a “beautiful, deeply loved” autistic seven-year-old girl who drowned in a golf course pond.

Nyla May Bradshaw went missing in the Skellow area of Doncaster just before 10am on Monday.

She was found in a pond on Owston Hall golf course after an extensive search including police drones and aircraft.

Children’s autism charity Little Rainbows Doncaster said Nyla drowned in the pond when she was not in the care of her parents.

A statement from the charity posted on social media said: “Nyla was a beautiful, deeply loved seven-year-old girl who brought so much light to those around her.

“She was autistic and non-verbal, yet her presence spoke volumes — she touched more lives than words could ever express. A beautiful little girl who loved Christmas especially.

“Our entire community is heartbroken, and our thoughts are firmly with her family as they face this unimaginable loss.”

It added: “For many of us as parents of autistic children, this is the fear we carry every single day — and today, that fear has become a reality for one of our own.”

The charity also started an online fundraising page to help Nyla’s family with the funeral costs.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Yesterday, Monday 30 March, officers responded to the death of a child in Doncaster…Officers and additional resources including police drones and the police aircraft were deployed.

“Following an extensive search, the child was located in a pond on Owston Hall golf course.

“Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services colleagues, they were pronounced deceased.

“The child’s family has been informed and is being supported by our officers. The thoughts of everybody at SYP are with them at this devastating time.”

Anyone with information is asked to report online, or call 101 quoting incident number 198 of March 30.