A devastating incident on a Devon farm has led to a coroner concluding that the death of a two-year-old girl was accidental. The tragic case highlights the profound dangers that even shallow water can pose to unsupervised young children.
Heartbreaking Discovery on Family Farmland
Eva-Rose Wainwright, aged just two, lost her life on farmland in Lifton, Devon, on June 16, 2023. The inquest at Exeter Coroner's Court heard that her father, Charles Wainwright, a sheep farmer, had left her playing near a slow-moving river with the family dog while he attended to livestock duties.
After an absence of approximately fifteen to twenty minutes, Mr Wainwright returned to find his daughter face down in the water, completely unresponsive. Despite immediate attempts at resuscitation by both her father and attending paramedics, Eva-Rose could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Coroner's Verdict and Solemn Warning
Area Coroner Alison Longhorn, presiding over the inquest at Devon County Hall on Tuesday, January 20, formally recorded a conclusion of accidental death. The cause was confirmed as drowning.
In her remarks, Ms Longhorn expressed profound sympathy for the family, stating, "This is a truly tragic death of a little girl and I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it must have been for her parents." She went on to issue a crucial safety warning, emphasising that "this case really demonstrates the dangers that even very shallow water can present to children when they are left unsupervised either in or near shallow water."
The coroner extended her deepest condolences to Eva-Rose's grieving family, acknowledging the unimaginable pain of their loss.
A Family's Loving Tribute
Following the tragedy, Eva-Rose's family paid a moving tribute to their beloved daughter. They described her as the 'adored daughter of Charlie and Kyra-Jo, a loving sister, granddaughter and niece'.
Their heartfelt statement concluded, "She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends," capturing the deep void left by her untimely passing. This case serves as a sombre reminder of the critical importance of constant supervision around water, regardless of its perceived depth or calmness.
