Police Arrest Woman Following Tragic Death of Autistic Girl in Golf Course Pond
South Yorkshire Police have made an arrest in connection with the death of seven-year-old Nyla May Bradshaw, who was found face down in a pond at Owston Hall Golf Course in Doncaster on March 30. The woman, in her 30s, has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and child neglect and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Heartbreaking Discovery and Police Warning
The tragic incident occurred just hours after Nyla, who was severely autistic and non-verbal, was dropped off with a new babysitter in the Skellow area. Police were alerted at 9.50am that morning after she was reported missing, prompting an extensive search involving officers on the ground, drones, and a police aircraft. She was later located unresponsive in the pond and pronounced dead despite efforts by emergency services.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Magnay has issued a stern warning to the public, urging people not to speculate about the incident, including on social media, as proceedings are now active. “Nothing must be published by anyone, including members of the public, which could threaten the integrity of any future court proceedings,” he stated, emphasising the need to respect the privacy of all affected.
Family Tributes and Community Grief
Nyla’s mother, Hayley Beardsley, described her daughter as “too precious for earth” and “one-of-a-kind,” sharing that the little girl had her new school photograph taken just ten days before her death. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she wrote, “Our little ginge... Gorgeous girl - eyes that matched her hair. She certainly was a one of a kind. Absolutely beautiful.”
The children’s autism charity Little Rainbows Doncaster paid tribute, saying, “Nyla was a beautiful, deeply loved seven-year-old girl who brought so much light to those around her. Her presence spoke volumes.” The charity added that her death highlights systemic issues and resonates with parents of autistic children, for whom such fears are daily realities.
Investigation Details and Inquest
Initial police enquiries indicated the circumstances were not suspicious, but ongoing investigations led to the arrest. At the opening of the inquest, coroner’s officer Jane McDonnell revealed that Nyla had disappeared while out with a childminder during an excursion to a park in the Owston area. She passed through a gap in a fence and approached woodland near the golf course before being found in the pond.
Senior coroner Nicola Mundy has fixed a provisional inquest date for December 8. Meanwhile, an online tribute page has raised over £20,000 to support Nyla’s family with funeral and other costs, reflecting the widespread community impact of this tragedy.
