A BABY girl who died after she was knocked down by a Land Rover has been formally named.
Cops have confirmed that the child who was struck by the vehicle in grounds of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, last night was Ivy Mae Ross.
Earlier, we told how the one-year-old was understood to have been “toddling” in the carpark when she was hit by the vehicle.
The infant, from nearby Whitecairns, was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but she died a shirt time later.
Tonight, her heartbroken parents released a touching statement.
It read: “Our beautiful daughter Ivy Mae passed away following a tragic accident after our regular church gathering in Balmedie. We are absolutely devastated and ask that our privacy is respected at this challenging time.
“We value all the prayers and messages of sympathy and support we have received from the local community.
“The emergency services tireless work and support is greatly appreciated.”
The tragic incident happened at the church on Elgie Road around 7.45pm last night.
The driver of the car, a 40-year-old man, was uninjured.
The scene has been locked down by police as officers continue to investigate.
The tot’s death has also sparked an outpouring of grief among the congregation and the wider community.
Throughout the day, floral tributes have been left by members of the public at the closed gates of the church.
Rod Buckley, a member of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, said: “Sadly, we can confirm that an incident at the Plymouth Brethren Meeting Hall car park in Balmedie involving a single vehicle and a young child happened last evening.
“The young child was tragically pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
“We are a very supportive church, and we are giving the family and friends of the people involved in the accident the help they need.
“On behalf of the church, I would like to thank the emergency first responders who have been very professional and compassionate in their response.”
One local said: “It really is heartbreaking that a young child has lost their life like this.
“I passed the scene on Wednesday night and knew it was something serious with the number of emergency services.
“It was really busy last night. The car park looked almost full.
“It’s a real tragedy for everyone involved.”
Another woman, who lay flowers, said: “It is heartbreaking that a young girl died. She was just a baby.
“I really feel for her family. It’s tragic.”
Local councillor Andrew Hassan said that “sadness” would be felt across the whole area.
He said: “I was saddened to hear of the incident beside the church last night, and send my condolences to the family – and those close friends whom were leaving the building at the time.
“The Belhelvie parish is relatively close-knit, and I know the sadness will be reflected across the whole area.”
The Plymouth Brethren is an evangelical Christian church which was established in the early 19th Century.
Members follow a rigid code of practice and the church says it is very family-centred.
Sergeant Lesley Morrison said: “Our thoughts are very much with Ivy’s family at what is an incredibly hard time for them.
“Our enquiries to establish the full circumstances of what happened are ongoing and I would ask anyone who can help who has not already spoken to officers to get in touch.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3390 of Wednesday, 15 May, 2024.
