Girl, 8, Dies After Suddenly Falling Ill During Bus Ride, Just 1 Day Before Her Birthday

A community in Aberdeen, Scotland, is grieving the heartbreaking loss of an 8-year-old girl who became suddenly ill during a bus ride and passed away — just one day before her ninth birthday.

According to the Daily Record and the Daily Mail, the child — identified as Olivia Grace Edwards — fell ill around 8:40 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, while boarding a bus in Aberdeen, the country’s third-largest city.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported her to Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, where she tragically died a short time later, a Police Scotland spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

Authorities said Olivia’s death is “being treated as unexplained, but there are no apparent suspicious circumstances.”

Friends of the girl’s parents have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and support the grieving family.

“My amazing best friends have lost their beautiful baby girl unexpectedly just one day before her 9th birthday,” the fundraiser reads.
“Her parents, sisters, family and friends are all heartbroken. Olivia was a beautiful, funny, sweet, amazing little girl and is going to be missed so much by all who knew her.”

Supporters have been asked to contribute to help ease some of the financial stress and “give this beautiful girl the best sendoff.” The fundraiser has already raised more than £10,000 (about $13,300) toward its £16,000 ($21,300) goal.

The local community has filled the GoFundMe page with messages of love and sympathy.

“I don’t know your family personally, but I am so desperately sorry for your loss, and I am sending your family much love and strength,” one person wrote.
“Deeply saddened by the heartbreaking loss of beautiful Olivia,” another tribute read, per the Daily Mail. “My sincere condolences to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Hearing this sad news is just heartbreaking,” another added. “My thoughts are with you all.”