Brit girl, 3, dies in 'every parent's nightmare' tragedy on Mallorca holiday

A British three-year-old girl has died during a family holiday in Mallorca after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool, according to an inquest held earlier this month. Eleri Ellesmere, from New Tredegar in Gwent, Wales, was discovered in the water at Villa Francisca, a rural property near Pollenca, on the evening of June 24, 2026. She was immediately taken to Son Espases Hospital in Palma de Mallorca, where medical staff attempted resuscitation efforts. Despite these interventions, Eleri passed away the following day. The incident occurred while the family was vacationing in the Mediterranean island, which had initially been intended as a peaceful and joyful getaway. Eleri’s parents, Joe and Cerys Ellesmere, from Newport, South Wales, were present throughout the ordeal. They described the moment as “every parent’s worst nightmare,” emphasizing the suddenness and tragedy of the event. According to the inquest, Eleri was pulled from the pool and received immediate attention from her parents and others present. CPR was administered before emergency services arrived and transported her to the hospital. Medical professionals worked relentlessly to revive her, but she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. The provisional cause of death listed at the inquest was mechanical asphyxiation due to drowning and respiratory failure. The coroner, Rose Farmer, presided over the initial hearing at Gwent Coroner’s Court and scheduled further proceedings for April 13, 2027. During the session, Eleri’s mother, Cerys, spoke emotionally about the loss of her daughter, describing her as a “deeply loved” and “beautiful” child. She recounted the harrowing moments leading up to Eleri’s passing, including the desperate attempts to save her life. Cerys detailed how Eleri’s heart stopped beating at 13:40 CEST on June 25, 2026. She expressed gratitude toward the ambulance and hospital staff for their tireless efforts to bring her daughter back. However, the outcome remained tragic, leaving the family in profound grief. “We are broken, we have no words,” Cerys said, adding that the world seemed to have stopped for her and her husband, Joe. The family has since returned to the United Kingdom, where they are preparing for Eleri’s funeral. In a public appeal, a fundraising campaign was initiated to assist with funeral expenses and provide emotional and financial relief to the grieving parents. The initiative emphasized the need for community support, stating that every contribution would help ease the burden placed upon the family during this difficult time. The fundraiser highlighted the deep sense of loss felt by those close to Eleri, noting that her absence has created an “unimaginable emptiness.” It urged individuals to contribute to ensuring that Eleri receives a dignified farewell, allowing her parents to focus solely on healing and supporting each other through their sorrow. The family has requested privacy as they navigate the aftermath of the tragedy, focusing on bringing Eleri back to the UK for burial. They remain committed to honoring her memory and seeking solace in the support of friends, neighbors, and the wider community. As the inquest proceeds, more details regarding the circumstances of the incident are expected to emerge, offering clarity amid the grief.