A body has been recovered following a major search for a 13-year-old girl who tragically fell into a reservoir while out on a walk with her father.

Emergency services were called to Baitings Dam near Ripponden, West Yorkshire, at 1:17 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28. Police, fire, and ambulance crews responded swiftly, but the girl was initially missing.

Underwater search teams continued their efforts on Thursday, May 29, before authorities confirmed that a body had been found. Formal identification has yet to be completed, but police say the family has been informed and is receiving specialist support.

The teenager, from Halifax, was reportedly taking photos with her father near the reservoir when she fell over a parapet and into the water. The drop from where she was standing to the reservoir below was approximately 30 feet, with the water depth reaching around 140 feet.

Detective Inspector Laura Hall of Calderdale’s Safeguarding Team said: “While formal identification is still pending, the family has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

“Our thoughts are with them during this very difficult time. We are continuing our investigation to establish exactly what happened, but at this stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious.”

Witnesses described seeing the father in distress after the accident, with reports stating he was clutching his chest and screaming her name before being taken to hospital.

Local resident Sue Ferris, 80, who witnessed the incident from her home overlooking the bridge, expressed concern over safety measures.

“The little girl was posing for photographs before it happened. Her dad was taking the photos. It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “There are no life buoy rings on the parapet, and the metal railings added some years ago only raise the barrier slightly but unfortunately seem to make it easier to climb on. It doesn’t provide adequate safety.”

Police search teams worked into the evening on Wednesday and returned on Thursday with marine and underwater units to continue the search efforts.

Mrs. Ferris also spoke with the family and shared how proud they were of the girl, who had recently started grammar school and was described as having a bright future. The walk was a half-term outing for the father and daughter, with the rest of the family arriving after the accident.

According to witnesses, the father did not enter the water to attempt a rescue due to a heart condition and was soon taken away by ambulance after the incident.