In an indescribably sad turn of events, Rachel Marsland, 36, awoke to an unimaginable tragedy when she found her beloved daughter, Lila, unresponsive by her side. Just weeks before turning six, Lila’s sudden passing has left her family heartbroken and yearning for answers.
With panic and desperation, Rachel called the emergency services, hoping for a miracle. However, upon their arrival, paramedics determined that Lila had already been gone for several hours. Rachel recounted her shock, stating, “I woke up and she was dead next to me. I rang for an ambulance, but she had been dead a few hours already.”
The devastated mother shared her sorrow, “They gave her CPR; they arrived within minutes but it was already too late. It’s horrendous. I still can’t believe it’s happened.” Lila was known for her warmth and friendliness; Rachel fondly remembered how her daughter took time to hug her teachers at school.
A Loving Spirit at Flowery Field Primary
Lila was a beloved student at Flowery Field Primary School in Hyde, adored not only for her radiant red hair but also for her joyful spirit. Her mother described her as “the nicest child ever.” Lila had a wide circle of friends, made easily by her cheerful and bubbly nature.
“Because we don’t know what she’s died of, I don’t feel like we can even grieve properly at the moment. We haven’t even been given answers on how she’s died,” Rachel expressed, highlighting the family’s ongoing quest for clarity.
The community came together to honor Lila with a heartfelt funeral, held a month after her unexpected departure. It was a touching and well-attended service, with her entire primary school present to pay their respects. “It was a nice send off for her,” Rachel remarked, recalling the horse and carriage that poignantly marked the occasion.
The funeral was indeed a celebration of Lila’s young yet impactful life, emphasizing the depth of love surrounding her. The church was filled with her supporters, from friends to educators, demonstrating the profound effect she had on those around her.
Ongoing Investigation and Search for Clarity
Lila’s passing on December 28, 2023, left numerous questions unanswered. In October 2024, the Stockport Coroners Court opened an inquest to investigate further, shedding light on a concerning development. It was revealed that original copies of Lila’s medical records from the weeks leading up to her death were ‘misplaced’.
The court heard that an entry for an assessment on October 8, 2023, was missing, despite other information suggesting Lila had been prescribed medication she never received. This raised uncertainties about whether she had indeed seen a senior enough medical professional authorized to prescribe it.
Area Coroner Chris Morris has requested the retrieval of these misplaced documents, labeling the matter as serious. “We believe this is a complete record because a copy was taken before the original was misplaced,” emphasized Mr. Morris.
Acknowledging the complexity and sensitivity of the case, the Coroner has opted for a jury-led inquiry, allocating an extended period of eight days, which is notably longer than typical inquests. This thorough review aims to uncover the truth behind the tragic loss of such a vibrant young life.
As the inquest is set to proceed, Rachel and her family cling to the hope of gaining closure and understanding in the face of their immense grief.