Devastated loved-ones pay tribute to 'little angel' schoolgirl, 9, killed by tractor while riding he
A TIGHT-KNIT community has been left devastated after a nine-year-old girl was knocked off her bike and killed by a tractor.
The Primary 4 pupil died at the scene of the horrific accident in New Cumnock, Ayrshire yesterday lunchtime.
Tragic Naomi Ferrans, nine, was killed while riding her bike on Castle Place during school lunch break.
Emergency services raced to the scene, at the A76, but the schoolgirl was sadly pronounced dead.
It’s understood Naomi’s mum Wilma Ferrans raced a few hundred yards from her home to be with her dying daughter after hearing about the accident.
The onlooker said: “I heard the commotion and when I walked up, I saw the tractor and a fire engine.
“Wilma was there, she was distraught. Someone must have told her what had happened and she’s made it up the main road.
“Our community is hurting but New Cumnock is strong and we will support the family in these dark days.”
The road was closed for around eight hours for crash investigation work and later reopened at around 8pm.
Following news of her death Laura Ferrans, believed to be the girl's aunt, paid tribute with a picture of the youngster on social media.
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A devastated friend commented: "I'm absolutely heartbroken, totally devastated.
"Naomi was one of a kind, anyone who knew her knows of her little cheeky personality, no matter where she was she brought smiles to people's faces.
"May you rest in peace little angel sending you all big hugs and my deepest sympathy".
A local shopkeeper, who didn’t want named, said: “There is a dark cloud over New Cumnock.
"I even considered not opening because of what happened yesterday. People are walking about in a daze.”
A neighbour added: “It’s tragic, absolutely tragic.
"Everybody knew Naomi and her cheeky grin. We can’t believe she’s gone.”
Earlier, Cumnock Juniors Girls Football Club said all training had been cancelled following the incident.
Their 2016's team added: "The players, parents and coaches of Cumnock Juniors 2016s send our deepest condolences to our friends at the Cumnock Juniors Girls team, following the devastating news of the tragic and sudden death of one of their U10 players. Thoughts and prayers".
Council bosses have been in touch with the local school to arrange support for youngsters in the coming days.
Linda McAulay Griffiths, chief education officer at East Ayrshire Council said: "Our thoughts are with all involved at this very sad time.
"We will be working closely with the school and together we will do all we can to help and support those affected in the coming days."
Meanwhile, local community groups have confirmed that they have cancelled all upcoming activities for next week as a mark of respect.
New Cumnock Development Trust posted on social media: "In light of the tragic event in our community today, all NCDT activities over the coming week are now cancelled."
New Cumnock Baptist Church also wrote: "After the tragic event in the town today Tuesday Club is cancelled. "Our prayers are with the family."
Officers are appealing with anyone who witnessed the crash to get in touch.
Inspector Craig Beaver of Ayrshires Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Naomi at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident and who hasn’t already spoken to officers to get in touch.
“I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time and who may have dash-cam footage which could assist to contact us.”
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Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1311 of 18 September, 2023.
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