Mother pays tribute to tragic accident daughter, 3, who drowned on 'idyllic family holiday' in Mallorca as inquest opens

Published: 12:42, 20 July 2026 | Updated: 12:43, 20 July 2026 A mother has paid tribute to her young daughter following a 'tragic' drowning during an idyllic family holiday in Mallorca earlier this year.  Eleri Ellesmere, of New Tredegar in Wales, was with parents Joe Ellesmere and Cerys Hemmings at Villa Francisca on the Spanish island when she was found unresponsive in a swimming pool on the evening of Wednesday, June 24.  The three-year-old was given CPR by her family and taken to Son Espases Hospital in Palma de Mallorca where, despite the efforts of medics, she sadly died one day later.  An inquest into Eleri's death is set to be opened today at Gwent Coroner's Court, where further details of the incident are expected. Her cause of death has provisionally been listed as a 1a mechanical asphyxiation by drowning and respiratory failure.  Rose Farmer, area Coroner for Gwent, confirmed the inquest will be opened as the death occurred by drowning.   Paying tribute to her daughter, Eleri's heartbroken mother described the death as a 'nightmare we cannot wake up from'.  Ms Hemmings said: 'What should have been an idyllic family holiday has turned into every parent's worst nightmare. Eleri Ellesmere was found unresponsive in a swimming pool at a villa in Spain during a family holiday  Eleri pictured with 'heartbroken' parents Joe and Cerys 'Our precious little Eleri Fairy was involved in an accident during the holiday. 'Unfortunately, despite unbelievable effort and attempts to heal our little girl made by us and the Palma health services, we were left with her on life sustaining support. 'Me and Joe were with her every single second and our little girl showed incomprehensible strength to try and stay with us. This was not enough.' She added: 'We are broken, we have no words. It is like the world has stopped and we have no breath. 'We want to thank every single member of the ambulance and hospital that battled tirelessly to try and bring our daughter back to us. 'Our only focus now is bringing our little girl back to the UK to reunite her with her family.' A fundraising page has since been launched by Eleri's family to help her 'heartbroken' parents cover the cost of her funeral.   It said: 'Eleri was deeply loved, and her loss has left an unimaginable emptiness in all of our lives. Eleri was given CPR by her family and taken to hospital where, despite the efforts of medics, she sadly died  An inquest into Eleri's death is set to open on Monday 'No family should ever have to endure such pain, and yet we are now facing the most devastating chapter a mother, father and surrounding family can experience. We want to surround them with love, support, and care in every way possible. 'The funds raised will help ensure that beautiful Eleri is given the funeral she truly deserves- a farewell filled with dignity, love, and respect. 'They will also allow her parents the time and space to grieve without the added weight of financial worry, so they can focus on healing and leaning on one another during this heartbreaking time. 'Every donation, no matter how small, will help ease some of the burden they are carrying.' Villa Francisca, which is run by holiday lettings company Villa Plus, has been contacted for comment.  The Foreign Office has also been contacted for comment.