Miya Deamer-Jones, 11, was found dead in an open space near a cricket ground in Elmley Castle (Image: GoFundMe)
An 11-year-old girl has been found dead in a park after being reported missing, with her mum described as living through “every parent’s worst nightmare”. Miya Deamer-Jones was reported missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday, October 4, before her body was discovered shortly afterwards in an open space near a cricket ground in Elmley Castle, Worcestershire. West Mercia Police has since confirmed officers found no evidence of suspicious circumstances following “detailed and extensive enquiries”, with third-party involvement ruled out. The circumstances surrounding Miya’s death will now be considered by a coroner, while police have urged people not to speculate about what happened.
Chief Inspector Daniel Pilkington said: “At the heart of this tragedy is a family who have lost a daughter and sister. Our thoughts remain with them, her friends and everyone who knew and loved her as they face an unimaginable loss.
“We know news like this is deeply upsetting. It has shocked the local community and touched the hearts of people far beyond it. We understand that naturally people want answers when something so tragic happens, and that uncertainty can be difficult.
“Our officers have worked tirelessly and thoroughly to establish the circumstances surrounding her death. We have kept an open mind and examined all available lines of enquiry.
“Following these detailed and extensive enquiries, we can confirm that we have found no evidence of suspicious circumstances or any third-party involvement in her death, and it is not being treated as a criminal investigation. A full file will now be prepared for HM Coroner, who will consider the circumstances of her death in due course, as is the standard process.”
Ch Insp Pilkington also appealed for people to avoid speculation, warning that “sharing unverified information can cause additional distress to a family already living through every parent’s worst nightmare”. A fundraiser has now been launched by one of Miya’s mother’s childhood friends to help the grieving family.
It reads: “Our hearts are completely broken for my dear friend Katie, who has suffered every parent’s worst nightmare.
“Her beautiful little girl, Miya Deamer-Jones, just 11 years old, has tragically been taken from her. Miya was the youngest of four sisters, a precious little girl who was deeply loved by her mum and her three sisters.
“Her place in their family can never be filled, and the pain of losing their baby sister is something they will carry with them forever. Miya was found in an open space in Elmley Castle, and the devastating reality that this precious little girl will never come home to her mum is something no family should ever have to face.
“There simply are no words to describe what Katie and her four daughters’ family are going through right now. A mum should never have to make funeral arrangements for her child.
“She should never have to think about how she is going to find the money for a funeral or a gravestone while trying to come to terms with losing her little girl. But sadly, that is the reality Katie is facing.”
Miya was the youngest of four sisters and was described as a ‘precious little girl’ (Image: Facebook)
The fundraiser had raised over £5,300 towards its £6,000 target, with donations intended to help give Miya a funeral and lasting gravestone.
The message continued: “She was her precious youngest daughter, her baby girl, and no amount of money could ever begin to ease the pain of losing her. But your kindness could take away some of the financial pressure Katie is facing at the most devastating time of her life.”
It concluded: “Fly high, beautiful Miya. You were loved, you are loved, and you will never be forgotten.”
