Hayley Beardsley, the devastated mother of seven-year-old Nyla May Bradshaw, has opened up about the gut-wrenching moment she handed her severely autistic daughter over to a babysitter she found through a Facebook recommendation — a decision that would tragically be the last time she saw her child safe.
In emotional accounts shared with close friends and reflected in tributes following the tragedy, Hayley recalled feeling an overwhelming sense of unease just before leaving Nyla with the new childminder on March 30, 2026. Sources close to the family describe the incident as almost “supernatural” — a strange, instinctive warning that washed over Hayley as she prepared to drop her daughter off for holiday childcare. Despite the eerie feeling that something was not right, Hayley pushed forward, trusting the recommendation from a local Facebook group and the childminder’s claims of experience with autistic children. It was a choice born of necessity during the school break, as parents of children with high needs often struggle to find reliable support.
Nyla, who was non-verbal and had severe autism, was described by her family as a magical little girl full of love, laughter, and an innocent joy that lit up every room. She viewed the world as her playground, free from worries or fears. Hayley rarely left Nyla with anyone else because of her daughter’s additional needs, making this handover particularly difficult. The childminder had been suggested by someone in the community and appeared suitable at first glance. Yet that nagging, almost otherworldly sense of dread lingered with Hayley even as she walked away.
Tragically, within hours of the drop-off, Hayley received the devastating news that Nyla was missing. A massive search involving police, a helicopter, and emergency services was launched in the Skellow area near Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Later that afternoon, the seven-year-old was found in a pond at Owston Hall golf course and was pronounced dead at the scene. The loss has shattered the family, leaving them with profound grief and many unanswered questions about the circumstances that led Nyla to the water.
Hayley’s heartbreak is palpable in her public tribute: “It breaks my heart to write this, but today we lost our beautiful daughter Nyla May Bradshaw at just seven years old. She was our whole world full of love, laughter, and the brightest smile that could light up any room. She brought so much joy into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her. Our sweet little girl will be loved forever and never, ever forgotten.”
Nyla’s father, Kieran Bradshaw, echoed the pain, calling his daughter his best friend and sharing memories of baking days, dancing, singing, and the recent joy of hearing her say “I love you.” The family has spoken of feeling surrounded by people yet profoundly alone as they face a future without their vibrant little girl.
The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by parents of autistic children in finding appropriate, trustworthy childcare, especially during school holidays. Many in the community have expressed regret, noting that Hayley usually kept Nyla close. The Facebook recommendation, while well-intentioned, has sparked broader conversations about the risks of informal arrangements for vulnerable children.
A GoFundMe page set up to support the family with funeral costs and practical help has raised thousands of pounds in a short time, showing the outpouring of sympathy from strangers and locals alike. Friends describe Nyla as a “sweet little girl” who knew nothing of sadness, only love.
As investigations continue into the exact events of that day, Hayley’s recollection of that unsettling moment before the handover has added a layer of haunting emotion to an already tragic story. What felt like a supernatural warning — that instinctive maternal intuition many parents describe — now weighs heavily as the family processes their unimaginable loss.
This heartbreaking case serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change and the heavy burdens carried by families raising children with severe autism. Hayley Beardsley’s decision that day, clouded by unease yet made with hope for her daughter’s care, ended in a tragedy no parent should ever face. Nyla May Bradshaw’s short life touched many hearts, and her memory will live on through the love and tributes pouring in for a little girl who brought pure light into the world.
In the midst of their sorrow, the Bradshaw-Beardsley family continues to receive support from their tight-knit community in Skellow. While nothing can bring Nyla back, the collective grief and kindness shown toward them offers a small measure of comfort as they navigate the darkest days of their lives.
