A crowdfunder has raised more than £8,000 to create a memorial for five-year-old Letti Cole, described by her family as a 'little angel', after she tragically drowned near Evesham in Worcestershire.
What happened
Letti vanished from Badsey, near Evesham, on Wednesday, July 29. She was later found unresponsive in water within the locality and was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, according to West Mercia Police.
The police said they believed the 'incredibly tragic incident' was the result of drowning. The news has sparked an outpouring of grief from the local community and beyond.
Tributes and community support
Scores of tributes have been left since the heartbreaking incident. One person posted: "Very sad. Thoughts with family. RIP poor little angel." Another wrote: "Rest in peace Letti. Sending love to her family." A different person added: "IP little angel."
The GoFundMe page, set up to fund a memorial for Letti, has already raised £8,000. Letti's auntie Hayley Newton posted on the page: "On Wednesday evening, we lost our most precious angel in the most tragic circumstances. Our family is completely heartbroken, devastated, and still in shock. No family should ever have to go through such an unimaginable loss."
Family's gratitude
Newton also expressed gratitude for the community's support: "The kindness, compassion, and support shown by the people of Badsey has restored my faith in humanity. I want to thank every single person who gave up their time and made every effort to help look for our beautiful Letti. Your love and support will never be forgotten."
She added: "It was actually one of those kind people who suggested setting up a GoFundMe page to help create a memorial for Letti—a beautiful and thoughtful idea that means so much to us. Please don't feel under any obligation to donate. Your love, prayers, and support have already meant the world to our family. However, if you would like to contribute, any donation, no matter how small, would be deeply appreciated and will help us create a special place to remember our precious girl."
