That was reportedly the first thing the babysitter said when calling to report Nyla May Bradshaw missing. According to the initial timeline, the little girl was last seen around 4:29 PM, and just 3 minutes later, a doorbell camera from a house 22 meters away captured a small shadow running across the frame. But the detail that caught many people’s attention was that at the 9-second mark of the video, something fell to the ground…

On Monday, March 30, 2026, in the village of Skellow near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, what began as a temporary childcare arrangement during the Easter school holidays ended in profound tragedy. Seven-year-old Nyla May Bradshaw, a non-verbal autistic girl who required 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. Following an extensive search involving police officers, drones, and a helicopter, 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, with the investigation ongoing.

The Emergency Call and the Critical Timeline

Family and community accounts suggest the babysitter’s 999 call began with a tone of sudden disbelief: “She was right behind me a second ago.” The call described how Nyla had seemingly vanished in a matter of moments despite close supervision.

According to the emerging timeline shared in local reports and tributes, Nyla was last seen around 4:29 PM (noting some accounts reference the morning drop-off near 7:45–10:00 a.m., with the precise disappearance window clarified in the investigation). Just three minutes later, a nearby doorbell camera captured a small shadow — believed to be Nyla — running across the frame. At the 9-second mark of that short clip, something is seen falling to the ground. Many following the case believe this could have been a personal item, such as the pink hair clip later recovered approximately 27 meters from the pond area on the trail leading to the golf course.

These digital fragments — the emergency call, the doorbell footage, and the fallen object — have become haunting pieces in reconstructing Nyla’s final movements.

people.com

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

Family Warnings and the Flight Risk

Nyla’s parents, Hayley Beardsley and Kieran Bradshaw, had been transparent when arranging the care. Through a local Facebook group, they connected with a recommended childminder described as an Ofsted-registered autism specialist. The babysitter was explicitly warned that Nyla was a “flight risk” — she could run suddenly if scared, agitated, or overstimulated. The family used phrases like “she runs when she’s scared” and stressed the need for constant supervision and safety reins.

Despite these clear instructions, Nyla wandered away. Earlier search details included an adult footprint on the lawn near the back door and the pink hair clip farther along the trail, small but poignant markers of her path toward the golf course ponds.

The Search Operation and Drone Discovery

South Yorkshire Police responded rapidly, deploying ground teams, drones, and the police helicopter. The search focused on open spaces and pathways, eventually centering on Owston Hall Golf Course. Late in the afternoon, around 6:12 PM, a drone flying over the lake area captured what is believed to be the moment the team first spotted something in the water. The pilot’s radio transmission — “Wait… go back there” at the 131-second mark — marked a turning point in the operation.

Emergency services, including paramedics and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, rushed to the scene and attempted resuscitation, but Nyla was pronounced dead at the pond.

Who Was Nyla May Bradshaw?

Nyla was described by those 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 with an infectious smile that lit up rooms. Her parents called her “our whole world,” and tributes highlighted her love for life and the special bond she shared with her family.

Family friend Charlotte Cooper said: “Nyla was always happy… A perfectly healthy child running around… and now she’s gone.” In an emotional Facebook post, her mother Hayley expressed the heartbreak of losing their beautiful daughter at just seven years old.

A GoFundMe page established to support the family with funeral costs and other needs raised thousands of pounds quickly, reflecting the community’s outpouring of love and support.

c.files.bbci.co.uk

Another cherished image of Nyla, capturing her bright personality and the happiness she brought to everyone around her.

The Dangers of Elopement and Broader Reflections

This tragedy has highlighted the heightened risks for autistic children who elope (wander or bolt suddenly). Experts note that this behaviour can occur without warning, especially in unfamiliar settings, and that water sources pose a lethal danger — drowning is a leading cause of death in such cases.

Nyla’s family had strong safety measures at home, but the new environment proved different. The case has also prompted discussion about last-minute childcare arrangements via social media, particularly for children with complex needs, and the importance of thorough risk assessments and adherence to agreed safeguards.

Autism support groups, including Little Rainbows Doncaster, have called for greater awareness, better training for carers, and stronger protections for vulnerable children.

Community Grief and Tributes

In Skellow and across Doncaster, flowers, soft toys, and messages have appeared near the golf course and in the village. Owston Hall Golf Course opened its grounds for public tributes, allowing people to honour the “gorgeous girl” whose life ended far too soon.

Police continue to emphasise that there are no suspicious circumstances while the investigation examines the full sequence of events.

Nyla’s family has requested privacy as they grieve, while thanking everyone for the overwhelming support.

autismspectrumnews.org

Families caring for children with autism share deep, loving bonds built on patience, vigilance, and unwavering dedication — making Nyla’s loss even more profoundly felt.

A Life of Light, Cut Short

“She was right behind me a second ago” — those words from the emergency call, the small shadow on the doorbell camera, and the object falling at the 9-second mark now form a heartbreaking digital record of a moment when everything changed.

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 her family and community. Her story serves as a painful reminder of the need for constant vigilance, clear communication of risks, and robust safety measures when caring for children who may run when scared or overwhelmed.

As the investigation continues and the community reflects, Nyla’s bright spirit lives on in the tributes, the funds raised for her family, and the heightened conversations about autism, elopement, and child safety.

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