Heartbreaking reports flow of ‘beautiful’ British baby before she was killed in horror crash in Lanzarote ‘by a drunk driver’ – The Sun
A NEWBORN was described as “absolutely precious” before she died in a horror crash in Lanzarote this week.
Little Harper Ayton died while on holiday with her parents in Lanzarote when an alleged drunk driver mowed down two families.
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The newborn was with her parents Alex Chadkirk, 28, and Timothy Ayton, 40, and grandparents Andrea and Derek Chadkirk on Monday evening when a car drove into a group of pedestrians.
Four-month-old Harper, whose mother proudly showed off her daughter in adorable photos after her birth last November, died at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts to save her.
Timothy is reportedly in critical condition at a local hospital, where other members of his family are also being treated.
Alex’s mother Andrea Chadkirk was rushed to the same intensive care unit, while Alex’s father Derek was hospitalized with less serious injuries.
A neighbor told The Sun: “It’s shocking news.
“Derek and Andrea loved that granddaughter. They will be heartbroken.”
British expat Olivia Brown23, who lives on the island, was reportedly over the legal limit and under the influence of alcohol and drugs when her car mounted the sidewalk and struck two families.
She is accused of manslaughter and driving under the influence and was in court yesterday; her hearing was adjourned after she had a panic attack.
A doctor ruled that she could not be properly questioned because she appeared to be suffering from an ‘anxiety attack’.
An investigating judge has released her on bail until a new date is agreed.
Brown, who is currently under house arrest, could face up to 25 years in prison if she is found guilty of causing young Harper’s death.
The little one’s family stayed in a rental villa close to a popular water park in the resort of Playa Blanca.
They had barely started their holiday when tragedy struck less than a quarter of a mile from where they were staying, reportedly on their return from a supermarket.
Police said Brown’s car was “out of control.”
Eyewitnesses recalled hearing piercing screams as they saw Harper’s mother Alex trying to revive her baby Daily email reports.
Others treated the injured pedestrians.
Until her pregnancy, Alex worked at the Newcastle branch of a specialist education recruitment agency called Vision of Education.
A Swedish mother and daughter were also injured by Brown’s Ford Fiesta, which eyewitnesses told police were speeding.
She was flown to Gran Canaria for specialist treatment, while her daughter was treated at a hospital in Arrecife, Lanzarote.
Alex, from South Shields, Tyne & Wear, was congratulated after sharing the captivating first snaps of her newborn wearing a white woolly hat and matching knitted jumper.
She and her partner clasped their hands together as they held her.
One of her relatives wrote in response: “She is truly beautiful sweetheart. Congratulations both. I can’t wait to meet her.”
Another well-wisher said: “Absolutely precious.”
A friend who also recently gave birth posed for a photo with Alex at a baby shower while they were pregnant last September and said: “I can’t wait for our babies to grow up together.”
Another friend replied at the time: “Looks lovely ladies.”
Brown is originally from Glasgow, but moved to Lanzarote as a child.
Her first scheduled court appearance had to be postponed yesterday when she suffered a panic attack after being smuggled into the building by police past the waiting press.
Officials confirmed yesterday that Brown would remain under investigation.
It is said she was traveling home from work, reportedly at a local hotel, when she crashed.
Hospital insiders say the father, maternal grandmother, mother and maternal grandfather are all expected to survive.
The toddler’s paternal grandparents flew to Lanzarote on Wednesday after being told of the terrible news.
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