Girl, just seven, found dead in golf course pond hours after being reported missing

Peter Stevens
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:49 +0000

A seven-year-old girl has been found dead in the pond of a golf course just hours after being reported missing.

Nyla May Bradshaw, the "gorgeous little daughter" of Hayley Beardsley, was found at Owston Hall golf course in Doncaster, South Yorkshire yesterday after what was described as large emergency response by eyewitnesses.

South Yorkshire Police said Nyla, described as non-verbal and severly autistic, was reported missing at 9.50am.

Her mother, Ms Beardsley, said in a tribute on social media that her daughter brought "love, laughter, and the brightest smile".

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

She said: "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."

She added the death was not a "goodbye", but an "until we meet again".

The Little Rainbows Doncaster Children's Autism Charity said Nyla "brought so much light to those around her".

Little Rainbows is a parent-led charity which supports autistic and special education needs children and their families.

It added: "She touched more lives than words could ever express. A beautiful little girl who loved Christmas especially.

"Our entire community is heartbroken, and our thoughts are firmly with her family as they face this unimaginable loss."

It also shared a link to a fundraiser for her funeral, which is seeking to raise £18,000.

MISSING PEOPLE - READ MORE:

Madeleine McCann suspect forced to relocate after furious protests outside his flat

British tourist goes missing on holiday in Thailand after last being seen on Christmas Day

Police issue chilling new update in search for missing Australian boy Gus Lamont

South Yorkshire Police said it attended a scene in Doncaster yesterday.

A spokesman said: "At 9.50am, a report was made that a child had gone missing in the Skellow area of the city."

They added that police resources including drones and police aircraft were deployed to the scene.

Eyewitnesses told the Mail that a police helicopter, drones, paramedics, and an air ambulance were all seen.

"Following an extensive search, the child was located in a pond on Owston Hall golf course," the force said.

They added: "Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services colleagues, they were pronounced deceased.

"The child's family has been informed and is being supported by our officers."

"The thoughts of everybody at SYP are with them at this devastating time."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the force.