Gym reopens as pool remains closed after death of 10-year-old girl

The pool remains closed until further notice following a young girl's death.

Aberdeen Northfield gym reopens as pool remains closed following death of Jessica Rennie STV News

A gym in Aberdeen is to reopen on Saturday following the death of a 10-year-old girl after an incident in the swimming pool.

Jessica Rennie’s death was confirmed by police on Wednesday after she got into difficulty in the water at the Get Active @ Northfield complex at around 8pm on Monday evening.

Emergency services were called to the leisure centre and Jessica was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where she later died.

While the pool remains closed, Sport Aberdeen confirmed on its website that other facilities at the complex are to reopen including the gym.

A statement read: “Get Active @ Northfield’s gym, studio and 3G football pitch will re-open on Saturday, February 17.

“The pool will remain closed until further notice.”

A spokesperson for Sport Aberdeen said: “Everyone at Sport Aberdeen has been left profoundly shocked by Jessica’s tragic death.

“We cannot begin to imagine the pain that her parents, family and friends must be feeling at this terrible time, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to them. 

“Investigations are still being carried out by the authorities and we continue to provide our full co-operation.”

Local businessman and charity fundraiser Yilmaz Huseyin set up a GoFundMe page to support Jessica’s family.

In just three days, over £22,000 has been raised with Mr Huseyin donating over £1,000 from his snack bar takings on Thursday to the fundraiser which aims to reach its target of £25,000.

He told STV News: “At ten years old, I think the family was not ready for this. No other family is going to be ready for this.

“This morning, a young lady came here and she was crying. She says, ‘I have one at the same age as that one as well’. You have no words to say about those things.

10-year-old Jessica Rennie's death was confirmed by police on Wednesday evening with tributes flooding in. Photo: Supplied.Supplied

“I swear, Aberdeen community, when they come together, they can do lots of things.

“And also as a community anywhere in the world, when they come together, the power of that, you can do lots of things.”

Police say enquiries are ongoing but that the ten-year-old’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 8pm on Monday, February 12, 2024, we were made aware a young female had got into difficulty in a swimming pool in Aberdeen.

“Emergency services attended, and a ten-year-old girl was taken to hospital where she later died.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death, which is not being treated as suspicious.”

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young girl who passed away at this incredibly difficult time.

“The Council is working to ensure that support is available at the girl’s school for pupils and staff.”

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