Letti Cole had been reported missing from Badsey, a village in Worcestershire – this is a breaking story
A five-year-old girl who was found unresponsive in water has been pictured.
Letti Cole was reported missing from Badsey, a village in Worcestershire, on Wednesday evening. Despite emergency services rushing to the scene, including an air ambulance, Letti was pronounced dead.
No third party was involved in her death, West Mercia Police said. The force asked people not to speculate online about the incident.
A fundraising page has now been launched to create a memorial for the young girl as her family deals with the “unimaginable loss”. Hayley Newton, the organiser of the page, wrote: “On Wednesday evening, we lost our most precious angel in the most tragic circumstances.
“Our family is completely heartbroken, devastated, and still in shock. No family should ever have to go through such an unimaginable loss.
“The kindness, compassion, and support shown by the people of Badsey has restored my faith in humanity. I want to thank every single person who gave up their time and made every effort to help look for our beautiful Letti. Your love and support will never be forgotten.”
Ms Newton explained that the “beautiful and thoughtful” idea for a memorial was suggested by one of the volunteers who helped look for the “precious girl”.
So far, the fundraiser has received more than £7,300 from 409 donations, taking it close to its £8,000 goal. A spokesperson for West Mercia Police previously said a report was going to be prepared for the coroner, who will establish the exact circumstances of the death.
The force said: “Officers were called to a report of a missing child in Badsey yesterday evening (Wednesday 29 July). Sadly, the child was found unresponsive in a body of water, and a short time later was pronounced dead.
“There is no third-party involvement in the child’s death, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. This is an incredibly tragic incident.
“We ask the public to avoid speculation online as this is incredibly distressing to the family and we ask that their privacy is respected at such a difficult time.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to the area at 6.50pm and dispatched an ambulance, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “On arrival we discovered one patient, a young child.
“Ambulance staff and police worked quickly to treat the patient, but sadly, it became apparent nothing could be done to save them and they were confirmed dead at the scene.”
The Mirror has launched the Save Lives For Sam water safety campaign to tackle the UK’s growing drowning crisis. Backed by MPs, Olympic champions, national water safety organisations and bereaved families, the campaign is calling for urgent action to make our waters safer.
That includes compulsory water safety lessons in schools, a nationwide public awareness campaign, better lifesaving equipment at high-risk waterways, the introduction of Sam’s Law, and a dedicated Minister for Water Safety. Find out more about the campaign and how you can support it here.