“Her laughter, her kindness, and the way she could make any day brighter will be remembered always,” says heartbroken mum of Olivia Curley, who sadly passed away earlier this week
The heartbroken mum of a schoolgirl who tragically died in a suspected drug-related incident has paid tribute to her “kind” daughter. Olivia Curley sadly passed away at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow on Monday, November 17.
The 11-year-old was rushed to the hospital by ambulance on Sunday after falling ill at home in the Helensburgh area on Friday. The Hermitage Academy pupil was admitted to Intensive Care but, unfortunately, could not be saved.
Police are currently treating her death as unexplained. However, a full investigation is underway following claims related to drugs.
Samantha Curley has since honoured her child, describing her as someone who “could make any day brighter” and was cherished by all.
Speaking to the Helensburgh Advertiser, the grieving mum said: “She was loved deeply by her family and treasured by her friends”, reports the Daily Record.
“Her laughter, her kindness, and the way she could make any day brighter will be remembered always.
“The girls are going to miss her so much, but the love she shared with them will stay in their hearts forever.”
The Record previously reported that Samantha was at her daughter’s bedside and posted on social media on Monday night from the hospital. She wrote: “My darling sweetheart, this is the last night we will fall asleep together.
“I just want you to know you made me a mum but although you were my daughter you were my strength.
“I will never get over this sweetheart but I will tell you we will look after your little sister and justice will be done, I will make sure about that. I don’t need to say anything other than you all have my daughter’s blood on your hands.
“Goodnight sweetheart loves you more than you will ever know.”
On Wednesday, Samantha penned another heartbreaking message, writing: “This was my baby girl. I want her remembered as a loving gorgeous angel. Fly high my darling, you were loved by many, darling. Forever in my heart.”
The touching words were paired with photographs of Olivia during her younger years, alongside her sibling and mum during happier moments.
A crowdfunding campaign has subsequently been established to help her heartbroken family, which has already collected more than £4,000.
A message on the GoFundMe page stated that Olivia’s passing had caused “unimaginable sadness” and portrayed her as a “bright” youngster who was “full of kindness and laughter”.
Douglas Morgan, headmaster at Hermitage Academy, described her death as a tremendous blow to students and staff members.
He commented: “Olivia was a much-loved member of our school community and an important part of the P7 group at Hermitage Primary, who recently joined us at Hermitage Academy. Her loss is felt profoundly by staff, pupils, and families alike. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Olivia’s family and friends during this very difficult time.”
Utterly heartbreaking
Jackie Baillie, local constituency MSP and Scottish Labour Health spokesperson, called for explanations regarding the tragedy. She expressed: “This is utterly heartbreaking and my thoughts are with the family and all those grieving this tragic loss.
“I am advised by Police Scotland that the investigation into the cause of Olivia’s tragic death is still ongoing and is currently being treated as unexplained.
“It is important that we get answers on what caused her death in order to ensure this unthinkable tragedy cannot be repeated.”
A representative for Police Scotland reported: “Around 11.40am on Monday, November 17, we received a report of an 11-year-old girl taken unwell in the Helensburgh area.
“She had been taken to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow on Sunday, November 16, and died on Monday, November 17.
“The death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council stated: “We are devastated to hear about the death of one of our pupils who attended Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh. Our thoughts are with their family.”