Girl, 2, dies after falling into pond on Christmas Day as household pays tribute
Two-year-old Isobel died after falling into a garden pond at her family’s home in Doncaster on Christmas Day during the festive celebrations – her family say they are heartbroken
A two-year-old girl tragically died after falling into a pond on Christmas Day. Little Isobel was discovered in the garden pond just moments after she had slipped away from the festive family gathering at their Doncaster home.
Isobel’s family desperately performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but sadly, the toddler was declared dead at the hospital shortly afterwards. Paying tribute on a GoFundMe page which has so far raised over £30,000, her aunt Abigail described her as the “happiest, smiliest, most adventurous and curious little girl”, adding: “She lit up the lives of everyone. Our darling angel girl.”
The family realised Isobel was missing when she momentarily disappeared while playing indoors with her toys. They dashed outside to find she had wandered into the garden alone and fallen into the pond, reports the Mirror.
The pond was a temporary feature in the garden since the family had recently moved into the house and it was fenced off.
Detailing the heartbreaking incident on the GoFundMe page, Abigail wrote: “Our girls, two best friends, were surrounded by everyone playing with their new toys between the living room, kitchen and playroom… we couldn’t find her for a moment and in that moment, she’s gone in the garden and fell in the pond.
“A pond that was not there through choice but due to a house move, their forever home which they were renovating. A pond that had a temporary fence around it, in a garden she would never have accessed by herself.”
“We did CPR until the ambulances came, she was taken to hospital but sadly couldn’t be saved. My brother & Tamara’s little girl. A very loved granddaughter. Our baby neice. My little girls bestest friend. There are just no words & nobody deserves this, & anyone who knows them, will agree, especially not them.”
Today, mum Tamara paid an emotional tribute on social media, saying her daughter “lived more in her two years than some children did in a lifetime” and expressed gratitude to the local community for their overwhelming support.
The family has launched a fundraising appeal to cover funeral expenses and provide assistance to Isobel’s mum, Tamara, who is expecting another child.
Isobel’s loved ones are also planning to create a memorial fairy garden, which Abigail described as “a special place where her magical personality can be remembered and her spirit live on”.
Abigail explained: “I just really want to do everything I can to take any pressure off for them with regards to funeral costs, counselling, being out of work etc.
“Tamara is 25 weeks pregnant and they need all the emotional and psychological support following this tragedy, not to be on a waitlist, so they have the strength for Isobel’s baby brother.
“They also do not need the financial burden of her having to start work whilst grieving with a newborn baby.”
Abigail added: “After sharing this devastating news, I’ve been reminded of the community around us & know how much many want to help, so please help where you can & hug your own babies extra tight, today and everyday.”
