More than £20,000 has been raised to support the family of a young girl who died after getting into difficulty at an Aberdeen swimming pool.
Ten-year-old Jessica Rennie’s death was confirmed by police on Wednesday after she got into difficulty in the water at Get Active @ Northfield swimming pool at around 8pm on Monday evening.
Emergency services were called to the leisure centre and Jessica was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where she later died.
Local businessman and charity fundraiser Yilmaz Huseyin set up a GoFundMe page to support her family.
In just two days, over £20,000 has been raised with Mr Huseyin donating over £1,000 from his snack bar takings on Thursday to the fundraiser which aims to reach its target of £25,000.
He said there are “no words” to describe such incidents and that the community is continuing to feel the effect with thousands of tributes and donations paid.
He told STV News: “At ten years old, I think family was not ready for this. No any other family is going to be ready for this.
“This morning, young lady came here and she was crying. She says, ‘I have one at the same age as that one as well’. You have no words to say about those things.
“I swear, Aberdeen community, when they come together, they can do lots of things.
“And also as a community anywhere in the world, when they come together. Power of that, you can do lots of things.”
A number of tributes have been left on the fundraiser including from teachers and parents.
Nicola Grimmer wrote: “Jessica was the sweetest girl in the world. I will miss seeing her for our ‘morning cuddle’ and lunch club with her big beautiful smile and heart of gold. You will be truly missed by everyone. Thoughts are with the family at this extremely difficult time. Mrs Grimmer x.”
Alison Leslie added: “Jessica was my pupil and the sweetest girl. My heart goes out to her parents and big brother who she adored.”
Another posted: “A lovely girl who will be missed by many. I will miss our chats on the walk home from school. Sending our love and support to her family at this sad time.”
STV NewsAn Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young girl who passed away at this incredibly difficult time.
“The Council is working to ensure that support is available at the girl’s school for pupils and staff.”
Police say enquiries are ongoing but that the ten-year-old’s death is not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 8pm on Monday, February 12, 2024, we were made aware a young female had got into difficulty in a swimming pool in Aberdeen.
“Emergency services attended, and a ten-year-old girl was taken to hospital where she later died.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death, which is not being treated as suspicious.”
The leisure centre is closed until further notice.
A spokesperson for Sport Aberdeen said: “Following the update from Police Scotland, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young girl who died, and with everyone affected at this difficult time.
“We continue to work closely with the relevant authorities. Enquiries are ongoing and the venue remains closed until further notice.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
