Childminder Arrested Over Tragic Death of Non-Verbal Autistic Girl in Golf Course Pond
A woman has been arrested in connection with the death of a seven-year-old non-verbal autistic girl, who was found deceased in a pond on a golf course after a new childminder took her to a park. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted a detailed police investigation.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
South Yorkshire Police confirmed on Friday that a woman in her 30s has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and child neglect. She has been bailed pending further inquiries. The arrest follows the death of Nyla May Bradshaw, who was discovered unresponsive in a pond at Owston Golf Course, north of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, on March 30.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Magnay stated that while initial inquiries suggested the circumstances were not suspicious, police have since furthered their investigation into the events leading up to the incident. He emphasized that the proceedings are now active, urging the public not to speculate on social media or elsewhere to protect the integrity of future court proceedings.
Circumstances Surrounding Nyla's Death
An inquest opening earlier this month heard that Nyla was a non-verbal seven-year-old girl diagnosed with autism. Coroner's officer Jane McDonnell explained that Nyla was under the care of a childminder who took her to a park in the Owston area of Doncaster. During the excursion, Nyla passed through a gap in a fence and approached woodland near Owston Golf Course.
The childminder raised the alarm after Nyla went missing, reporting her disappearance to police at 9:50 am. A search ensued, and the girl was found unresponsive and face down in a pond on the golf course. She was rushed to hospital but could not be resuscitated, as confirmed during the inquest before senior coroner Nicola Mundy.
Family Tribute and Community Impact
Nyla's parents, Hayley Beadsley and Kieran Bradshaw, paid a heartfelt tribute to their daughter on social media, describing her as their whole world full of love, laughter, and a bright smile that could light up any room. They expressed how she brought immense joy to their lives and to everyone who knew her.
DCI Magnay highlighted the profound emotional impact of Nyla's loss, extending beyond her family and friends to the wider community. He assured that Nyla's family remains at the forefront of their thoughts, with ongoing support provided during this awful time. A GoFundMe page set up in Nyla's memory has raised over £20,000, reflecting the community's solidarity.
Ongoing Police Work and Public Appeal
Since the tragedy, officers have been diligently working to establish the full circumstances surrounding Nyla's death. The arrest marks a significant development in the case, driven by ongoing inquiries. Police have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information to come forward, asking them to call 101 and quote incident number 198 of March 30, 2026.
The case underscores the importance of child safety and the legal responsibilities of caregivers, with authorities continuing to investigate the events that led to this heartbreaking incident.
