A two-year-old girl has died after falling into a pond on Christmas Day.
The death of the toddler, named Isabelle, was described as a “tragic accident” by her family, who said it was “the worst thing that could have happened”.
The girl “temporarily” disappeared from her family’s sight while playing with toys at their home in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, on December 25.
Her aunt Abigail Maxwell, sister of Isabel’s father Aaron, said she then walked into the garden and fell into the pond. Relatives attempted resuscitation until an ambulance arrived to take Isabel to hospital, but she did not survive.
It is understood police believe the death was accidental and not suspicious.
Isabelle’s relatives tried to resuscitate the two-year-old but she was taken to hospital but ultimately did not survive – Facebook
“Our daughters, two best friends, were surrounded by people playing with new toys between the living room, kitchen and playroom,” Ms. Maxwell wrote. “We couldn’t find her for a moment and at that moment she disappeared into the garden and fell into the pond.
“A pond with a makeshift fence around it, in a garden she herself could never access. A tragic accident.
“We performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. She was taken to hospital but sadly could not be saved. My brother and Tamara’s little girl. A very sweet granddaughter. Our little niece. My little girl’s best friend. No words, no one deserves this and anyone who knows them will agree, especially them.
“We are all heartbroken. As you can imagine, losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to a parent. She was so happy and so loved and they were the best parents and gave her the best life.”
Isabelle’s parents, Tamara and Aaron, describe their daughter as a “magical girl” with a spirit of adventure
Isabel’s mother Tamara Wallace, who is 25 weeks pregnant with a baby boy, said: ‘Everyone who knew Isabel and us knew how gifted she was and that she lived longer in two years than some children live in a lifetime.
“The generosity has been outstanding. We are keeping each other close and loving, which is definitely what we need.”
She added that Isabelle should be remembered as a “magical girl” with an adventurous spirit and a fire in her soul, saying: “We will raise her little brother the same way and he will know he has a sister who is and will continue to be amazing.”
The fundraiser will help create a “special place where her magical personality can be remembered” in Fairy Gardens and assist with funeral costs, counseling and other expenses. It has raised more than £16,000.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.