An eight-year-old girl has died following what police have described as a “freak accident” at her primary school.
Olivia-Grace Huxter suffered a “traumatic event” on Wednesday at Penrhys Primary School in Rhondda — a small school of just 99 pupils, located around three miles from her home in Ferndale. She was taken to hospital but later died from her injuries.
South Wales Police said they are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination before confirming the cause of death. Officers have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances, and an investigation on behalf of the coroner is under way.
Olivia-Grace’s mother, Melanie Huxter, paid an emotional tribute to her daughter, calling her a “beautiful, beautiful baby girl.”
She said: “I’m so grateful I was able to hold you and sing you to sleep one last time with your favourite bedtime song. You were wanted, admired and absolutely adored by everyone lucky enough to have known you. I don’t know what life will look like now. I love you to the moon and back… twice.”
Another family member expressed the family’s gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying:
“We want to thank everyone for their kind messages and love. We’re devastated and trying to come to terms with what has happened. We also want people to know there was no fault — it was a freak accident.”
In a post on Facebook, the head teacher of Penrhys Primary School thanked parents and the local community for their support during this difficult time.
A police spokesperson added: “South Wales Police is investigating the sudden death of an eight-year-old girl in Ferndale. Emergency services were called to Penrhys Primary School just after 2pm on Wednesday, October 8, following reports of a medical episode. The girl was taken to hospital where she later died. There are no suspicious circumstances, and an investigation on behalf of the coroner is now under way.”