The family had warned that Nyla May Bradshaw might run away if she became agitated. When the search team scoured the area, they reportedly found a pink hair clip about 27 meters from the lake — right on the trail leading down to the golf course.

On Monday, March 30, 2026, in the village of Skellow near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, a routine childcare arrangement for the Easter school holidays ended in devastating tragedy. Seven-year-old Nyla May Bradshaw, a non-verbal autistic girl who needed constant one-to-one supervision, was dropped off with a new childminder shortly after 7:45 a.m. Less than three hours later, she was reported missing. By early afternoon, her body was recovered from a pond on Owston Hall Golf Course. South Yorkshire Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances, and her death is being treated as a tragic accident, though the investigation continues.

Family Warnings About Nyla’s Tendency to Run

Nyla’s family had been open about her behaviours from the moment they arranged care. Her mother, Hayley Beardsley, sought a temporary childminder for the school break because Nyla’s usual carer was unavailable. Through a local Facebook group, a woman described as an Ofsted-registered autism specialist with extensive qualifications was recommended.

Family friends say the babysitter was clearly warned that Nyla was a “flight risk” — an energetic child who saw running off as a game and could bolt suddenly, especially if she became scared, overwhelmed, or agitated. The phrase “she runs when she’s scared” captured a key part of Nyla’s profile. Discussions reportedly covered the need for constant close supervision, the use of safety reins, and never leaving her unattended, even briefly.

Despite these warnings, within roughly two hours of being dropped off, Nyla had disappeared from the property.

people.com

Nyla May Bradshaw, remembered as a bright, smiling seven-year-old full of joy and light despite her complex needs.

The Discovery of the Pink Hair Clip

As police, drones, and a helicopter launched a major search across Skellow and surrounding green spaces, search teams combed pathways, fields, and the route toward Owston Hall Golf Course. One poignant item reportedly recovered was a pink hair clip found about 27 meters from the lake/pond area, lying on the trail that led down to the golf course.

The clip has become a haunting detail in the story — a small, everyday object that may mark part of Nyla’s final movements as she wandered from the house. In cases involving autistic children who elope, such items can help reconstruct the timeline and path taken, offering clues about how quickly and far a child can travel in a short time when unsupervised.

The adult footprint previously noted on the lawn near the back door, combined with the hair clip farther along the trail, has left many reflecting on the critical minutes after Nyla left the property.

The Emergency Response and Tragic Discovery

The babysitter raised the alarm around 9:50 a.m. South Yorkshire Police responded rapidly, deploying officers, drones, and police aircraft (including a helicopter). The search focused on open land and pathways, eventually leading to the ponds on Owston Hall Golf Course.

Nyla was located in one of the water features. Emergency services, including Yorkshire Air Ambulance, attempted resuscitation at the scene, but she was pronounced dead. The speed of the events — from drop-off to disappearance to recovery — has shocked the local community and highlighted the lethal risks of water for children who wander.

c.files.bbci.co.uk

Another cherished photo of Nyla, capturing her infectious smile and the happiness she brought to her family.

Who Was Nyla May Bradshaw?

Nyla was described by everyone who knew her as a “sweet,” “beautiful,” and “magical” little girl who was “always happy.” Despite being non-verbal and having autism that required intensive support, she radiated joy and brought profound light to her parents, Hayley Beardsley and Kieran Bradshaw, who called her “our whole world.”

Family friend Charlotte Cooper said: “Nyla was always happy… A perfectly healthy child running around… and now she’s gone.” Another tribute noted that her presence felt “just magical.”

In a heartbreaking Facebook post, her mother wrote: “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.”

A GoFundMe page set up to support the family with funeral costs and other needs raised thousands of pounds within hours as the community rallied in support.

The Dangers of Elopement and Lessons for Care

This tragedy has shone a painful spotlight on elopement — the tendency of some autistic children to wander or bolt suddenly. Experts note that this can happen without warning, especially in unfamiliar environments or when a child feels scared or overstimulated. Water sources pose one of the greatest dangers, as drowning is a leading cause of death in such cases.

Nyla’s family had implemented strong safety measures at home, including a high fence and electronic locks. The new childcare setting, even with prior warnings, proved tragically different.

The case also raises questions about arranging care quickly via social media during school holidays, particularly for children with complex needs. While many recommendations are genuine, thorough familiarization, risk assessments, and clear safety protocols are essential.

Autism support organisations, including Little Rainbows Doncaster, have called for greater awareness, better training for carers, and stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable children.

Community Mourning and Ongoing Investigation

In Skellow and across Doncaster, flowers and tributes have appeared near the golf course and in the village. Owston Hall Golf Course allowed public tributes in the days following the incident.

Police have reiterated that there are no suspicious circumstances. The investigation continues to establish the precise sequence of events, including Nyla’s movements after leaving the house and how she reached the pond so quickly.

Nyla’s family has asked for privacy as they grieve while expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support.

autismspectrumnews.org

Families supporting children with autism share deep bonds built on love, patience, and constant vigilance — making Nyla’s loss profoundly felt by all who knew her.

Remembering a Bright Little Light

“She runs when she’s scared” was more than a warning — it was a window into Nyla’s world, where fear or agitation could trigger an instinctive need to move. The pink hair clip found on the trail serves as a silent marker along the path she may have taken, a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a happy, energetic child can slip away in unfamiliar surroundings.

Nyla May Bradshaw will be remembered not for the tragic way her short life ended, but as the joyful, smiling girl who brought love and laughter to everyone around her. Her story underscores the importance of tailored supervision, clear communication of risks, and unwavering vigilance when caring for children who cannot always express their needs or dangers.

As the investigation concludes and the community reflects, Nyla’s memory lives on in the tributes, the funds raised for her family, and the heightened awareness it has brought to autism and child safety.

Our deepest condolences remain with Hayley, Kieran, and all who loved Nyla. May her bright spirit bring them comfort, and may she rest in peace.