Nyla May Bradshaw, a joyful seven-year-old autistic girl from Skellow near Doncaster, tragically lost her life on Monday, March 30, 2026, after being found in a pond at Owston Hall golf course. The heartbreaking incident has left her family devastated and the local community in mourning, raising important questions about childcare safety for children with special needs.

Nyla, who was non-verbal but known for her affectionate nature and bright personality, had been reported missing from her home earlier that day around 9:50 a.m. Her mother, Hailey, had arranged temporary childcare through a local Facebook group recommendation during the school holidays. As a parent of a child with autism, Hailey rarely left Nyla with others, but the need for support over the break led her to try a new childminder who claimed experience with autistic children. Tragically, shortly after dropping her daughter off, Hailey received word that Nyla was missing. Emergency services, including police and a helicopter, launched a search, but the little girl was discovered in the water at the nearby golf course later that afternoon and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The family is now facing unimaginable grief mixed with many unanswered questions about how Nyla ended up at the golf course pond. Her father, Kieran Bradshaw, shared a touching tribute on social media, describing Nyla as his best friend and someone who saw the world as her playground, free from worries or fears. He recalled special moments like Thursday baking sessions, dancing and singing together, and how she had only recently started saying “I love you” and “I miss you.” Kieran expressed feeling profoundly alone despite being surrounded by people, emphasizing that Nyla touched everyone’s heart and would remain in his thoughts forever. He hoped her late grandad would be there to look after her with a balloon.

Hailey also paid tribute, saying it “breaks my heart” to announce the loss of their beautiful daughter at just seven years old. Friends close to the family noted that many feel a sense of guilt because Hailey usually kept Nyla close due to her needs, but the holiday childcare situation created difficult circumstances. The recommended childminder had seemed suitable based on the Facebook suggestion, yet the rapid and tragic outcome has shocked everyone involved.

Nyla was described by loved ones as a sweet, innocent girl who brought light and happiness wherever she went. She loved music, dancing, and simple pleasures like trips to McDonald’s. Her autism meant she faced additional challenges, but her family celebrated her unique way of experiencing the world with pure joy and affection.

A GoFundMe page was quickly established to support the Bradshaw family with funeral costs and to help them through this difficult period. The fundraiser highlights the overwhelming responsibility of arranging a funeral while dealing with profound loss and unanswered questions. Donations poured in rapidly from friends, neighbors, and strangers touched by Nyla’s story, reflecting the community’s desire to offer practical help during this heartbreaking time.

South Yorkshire Police responded promptly to the missing person report and continue to support the family. While the incident appears to have been a tragic accident, investigations are ongoing to understand the full circumstances that led Nyla to the pond. No further details have been released publicly as officers focus on assisting the grieving relatives.

This devastating event has sparked wider discussions about the risks of arranging informal childcare via social media, especially for neurodivergent children. Parents in similar situations have shared how challenging it can be to find reliable, specialized care during school holidays. Autism support organizations have used the tragedy to highlight the need for better resources and safer options for families caring for children with additional needs.

Tributes continue to flow in, celebrating Nyla’s infectious smile, her love for life, and the way she brightened every room. Many remember her as someone who viewed the world with wonder and without fear. The loss of such a young child has deeply affected the tight-knit village of Skellow and beyond.

As the family prepares to say goodbye, they face not only emotional pain but also the practical burdens of a funeral while processing their grief. The outpouring of support shows how much Nyla meant to those around her, even in her short life.

Nyla May Bradshaw may have been taken far too soon, but her memory will live on through the stories of her happiness, her songs, and her fearless spirit. Her parents’ words capture the depth of their love and loss: she was their daughter, their best friend, and a little girl who brought pure light into their lives. Though gone, she will never be forgotten, and her story serves as a painful reminder of how precious and fragile life can be, especially for families navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs.

In the wake of this tragedy, many are calling for greater awareness and improved support systems to prevent similar incidents. For now, the focus remains on honoring Nyla’s short but vibrant life and standing with her heartbroken family as they try to find a way forward through their sorrow.