Tributes have poured in for a "beautiful, deeply loved" seven-year-old autistic girl who tragically drowned in a golf course pond in Doncaster. Nyla May Bradshaw went missing in the Skellow area of Doncaster just before 10am on Monday, 30 March 2026, sparking an extensive search operation.
Extensive Search Effort Deployed
South Yorkshire Police responded to the incident, deploying officers along with additional resources including police drones and a police aircraft. Following a thorough search, the child was located in a pond on the Owston Hall golf course. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Charity's Heartbreaking Statement
Children's autism charity Little Rainbows Doncaster issued a poignant statement on social media, describing Nyla as a "beautiful, deeply loved seven-year-old girl who brought so much light to those around her." The charity noted that she was autistic and non-verbal, yet her presence "spoke volumes" and she "touched more lives than words could ever express." They highlighted her particular love for Christmas.
The statement added, "Our entire community is heartbroken, and our thoughts are firmly with her family as they face this unimaginable loss." It also reflected on the fears shared by parents of autistic children, stating, "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."
Community Support and Investigation
In response to the tragedy, Little Rainbows Doncaster has started an online fundraising page to assist Nyla's family with funeral costs, demonstrating the community's solidarity. A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed that the child's family has been informed and is receiving support from officers. The spokesperson expressed that "the thoughts of everybody at SYP are with them at this devastating time."
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning. The charity indicated that Nyla drowned in the pond when she was not under the direct care of her parents, though specific details remain under review. Police have urged anyone with information to report online or call 101, quoting incident number 198 of March 30.
This incident has deeply affected the local community, highlighting both the vulnerabilities faced by autistic children and the profound impact of such a loss on families and support networks.
