That was reportedly the third sentence in the emergency call when the babysitter discovered Nyla May Bradshaw had disappeared. Just hours after being assigned to babysit, the 7-year-old was gone from the house. But what sent chills down many people’s spines was an adult footprint found on the lawn just 12 meters from the back door…

On the morning of Monday, March 30, 2026, in the village of Skellow near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, a desperate search for a missing child unfolded with heartbreaking speed. Nyla May Bradshaw, a non-verbal autistic girl who required constant one-to-one supervision, had been dropped off with a new childminder just after 7:45 a.m. Less than three hours later, at around 9:50 a.m., she was reported missing. By early afternoon, her body was recovered from a pond on Owston Hall Golf Course, a short distance away. South Yorkshire Police have stated there are no suspicious circumstances, and the death is being treated as a tragic accident, though the full investigation continues.

A Last-Minute Childcare Arrangement

Nyla’s mother, Hayley Beardsley, had been urgently seeking care for the Easter school holidays. Nyla attended a special school and had a regular childminder, but with that unavailable, Hayley turned to a local Facebook group for recommendations. A woman presented as an Ofsted-registered autism specialist with strong qualifications was suggested and described as “highly recommended.”

Family friends say the babysitter was explicitly warned that Nyla was a “flight risk” — an “escape artist” who saw running off as a game and needed constant close supervision. Discussions reportedly included the use of safety reins and strict instructions not to take her out without proper precautions. Hayley dropped her daughter off that morning, trusting the arrangement for what should have been a short period of care.

Tragically, within roughly two hours, the childminder raised the alarm. Nyla had wandered away.

people.com

Girl with Autism Found Dead in Pond Was in Care of New Babysitter

Nyla May Bradshaw, remembered as a bright, smiling seven-year-old who brought immense joy to her family despite her complex needs.

The Emergency Call and the Initial Moments

According to accounts shared by those close to the family, the babysitter’s 999 call conveyed rising panic. After initial sentences describing the situation, the third sentence reportedly captured the stark reality: “She’s not in the garden… I can’t find her.” The call triggered an immediate and large-scale response from South Yorkshire Police.

Officers, supported by additional resources including police drones and a helicopter (police aircraft), began searching the Skellow area and surrounding open spaces. The search quickly expanded to nearby pathways and green areas, eventually focusing on Owston Hall Golf Course.

Nyla was located in one of the course’s ponds. Emergency services attempted resuscitation at the scene, but she was pronounced dead. The rapid timeline — from drop-off to disappearance to discovery — has left the community in shock.

bbc.com

Fundraiser in memory of girl found in Doncaster pond hits £14,000

Another cherished image of Nyla, capturing her infectious smile and the light she brought to those around her.

The Adult Footprint on the Lawn

One detail that has unsettled many following the case is the reported discovery of an adult footprint on the lawn, approximately 12 meters from the back door of the property where Nyla was being cared for. While police have emphasized there are no suspicious circumstances and the incident appears to be a tragic case of a child wandering, the presence of the footprint has fueled questions about the exact movements in those critical early minutes and whether supervision lapsed momentarily.

Investigators continue to examine the sequence of events, including any available CCTV or witness accounts. Family friends have also mentioned a photo from that day reportedly showing the babysitter without the safety reins that had been discussed, adding to the pain and reflection surrounding the safeguards that were meant to be in place.

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 was full of light and brought profound joy to her parents, Hayley Beardsley and Kieran Bradshaw, who called her “our whole world.”

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

In an emotional 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 was established to support the family with funeral costs and other needs. It quickly raised thousands of pounds as friends, the local community, and strangers came together in support.

autismspectrumnews.org

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Families caring for children with autism often share deep, loving bonds built on patience, vigilance, and unwavering dedication — bonds that make Nyla’s loss even more devastating.

The Dangers of Elopement in Autism

This tragedy has spotlighted the very real risks faced by many autistic children who elope (wander or bolt). Experts note that this behavior can occur suddenly, without warning, and that water sources pose a particular lethal danger — drowning is a leading cause of death among autistic children who go missing.

Nyla’s family had taken significant precautions at home, including a high fence and electronic locks, because of her history of wandering. The new environment, even with warnings given, proved tragically different.

The case also raises broader questions about informal or hastily arranged childcare during school holidays, especially for children with complex needs. While many recommendations on social media are well-intentioned, the speed of arrangements can sometimes limit thorough familiarization and risk assessment.

Community Grief 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 opened its grounds for public tributes in the days following the incident, allowing people to pay their respects.

Police have reiterated that there are no suspicious circumstances. The investigation continues, with a focus on understanding exactly how Nyla reached the pond so quickly. South Yorkshire Police and partner agencies are supporting the family.

Autism charities, including Little Rainbows Doncaster, have used the moment to call for greater awareness, better support for families, and safer childcare options for children with additional needs.

A Life Full of Light, Gone Too Soon

In just a few short hours on a Monday morning in late March 2026, a joyful seven-year-old was lost. The words from the emergency call — “She’s not in the garden… I can’t find her” — and the adult footprint near the back door remain haunting details in a story defined by love, vigilance, and unimaginable loss.

Nyla May Bradshaw will be remembered not for the tragic way her short life ended, but as the smiling, happy girl who brought light and laughter to everyone she touched. Her family’s pain is shared by a community that has rallied in support while grappling with how quickly everyday routines can turn devastating.

As the investigation concludes and lessons are reflected upon, Nyla’s story serves as a painful reminder of the need for robust safety measures, clear communication about risks, and unwavering supervision — especially for children who cannot always voice their needs or dangers.

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