Girl, 10, drowns during outing to celebrate her birthday

A family outing meant to celebrate 10-year-old Akira’s birthday turned to heartbreak on Sunday afternoon.

While enjoying a day at a creek along the Linden Soesdyke Highway, tragedy struck as Akira La Rose and her cousin, Joylyn Jack, both drowned.

Joylyn was retrieved from the water first and was found to have a pulse. Family members and bystanders performed CPR, but despite their efforts and repeated attempts to reach 911, help seemed delayed.

Joylyn was swiftly taken to a nearby health facility, though no updates on her condition have been provided.

Akira’s lifeless body was discovered shortly after, confirming the family’s worst fears.

Almost an hour after the incident was reported to the police, emergency responders had yet to arrive on the scene. The mood at the creek was somber, with everyone departing in sadness.

Akira’s birthday cake remained untouched on the table.

The details of the incident are still emerging.