More than £12,000 raised for family of girl who died after getting into difficulty at Aberdeen swimming pool

More than £12,000 has been raised to support the family of a young girl who died after getting into difficulty at an Aberdeen swimming pool.

Named locally as Jessica Rennie, the ten-year-old’s death was confirmed by police on Wednesday.

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 the girl was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where she later died.

Tributes have been paid to the schoolgirl as local businessman and charity fundraiser Yilmaz Huseyin set up a fundraiser to support her family.

He told STV News: “We want to give her the best funeral because she was due to be 11 on February 24 but she’s not here anymore.

“The reaction from the public has been very good. In eight hours we have almost raised £9,500.

“Whatever I make in my business today will go to the fundraiser as well.”

The post from the GoFundMe page reads: “We have created a Gofundme for the beautiful Jessica who tragically lost her life on Monday at swimming.

“No family should ever have to be prepared for such a loss. Can the city of Aberdeen and afar please come together and donate as much or little as you can and help the family of Jessica give her the best send off we can.

“You’re all in our hearts and thoughts, sleep tight Jessica.”

An 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.”