The family of a two-year-old girl have spoken of their devastation after she died following a tragic accident in a garden pond on Christmas Day.
A 'Happy and Adventurous' Life Cut Short
Isobel Wallace, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has been described by her loved ones as the "happiest, smiliest, most adventurous little girl". The incident occurred during festive celebrations at her parents' new property, which they were in the process of renovating.
According to her family, Isobel had been playing happily indoors with her toys and other children before she momentarily disappeared from view. In that brief period, she made her way into the garden and fell into the pond.
Family Details a 'Tragic Accident'
The heartbroken family emphasised that this was a "tragic accident", stating that the garden pond was a feature of their new forever home and not there by choice. They also confirmed that temporary fencing had been placed around the pond and that it was an area the toddler would not normally have accessed alone.
In an emotional social media post, Isobel's mother, Tamara Wallace, said her daughter was full of "adventure and fire" and had "lived more in her two years than some children did in a lifetime".
Community Support and Lasting Tribute
Isobel's aunt, Abigail Maxwell, set up a fundraising page to help the family with costs for a memorial garden, funeral expenses, and counselling. The appeal has seen an outpouring of support, raising more than £19,000.
Maxwell paid a moving tribute to her niece, saying she "lit up the lives of everyone". She added: "All of us are absolutely heartbroken. As you can imagine, this is the worst possible thing that could ever happen to parents, to lose their baby. She was so happy, so loved & they were the best parents who gave her the most wonderful life."
The family's statements highlight the sudden and devastating nature of the accident, which has left them and their community in mourning.
