Tragic incident at Penrhys Primary School
A devastating incident has shocked the Rhondda community after eight-year-old Olivia-Grace Huxter died following a medical episode at Penrhys Primary School on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency services were called as staff and paramedics worked to save the Year Four pupil, but she passed away in hospital.
Penrhys Primary School announced it would be closed for the remainder of the day after the “traumatic event,” offering support to pupils, staff, and families affected by the loss. The school described Olivia-Grace as a “cherished member” of her class, whose warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
A mother’s heartfelt tribute
Olivia-Grace’s mother, Melanie, shared a deeply personal message online, expressing the depth of her grief while also celebrating the girl’s life. In her tribute, Melanie wrote: “My beautiful beautiful baby girl, I can’t eat, I can’t sleep without you. I’m so grateful I was able to hold you and sing you to sleep one last time with your favourite bedtime song. You were wanted, admired, and absolutely adored by everyone lucky enough to have known you. I don’t know what life will look like now. I love you to the moon and back … Twice.”
The family’s loss is felt across the school community, where Olivia-Grace is remembered for her bright presence and the joy she brought to her friends and teachers.
Community support and response
Local residents have shown their support in meaningful ways. On the Penrhys estate, some children visited to raise funds for Olivia-Grace’s family, an act Councillor Julie Edwards called an “amazing thing to do.” Her comment highlighted the remarkable kindness demonstrated by young people in the wake of such tragedy, underscoring the strength of community ties in difficult times.
The headteacher of Penrhys Primary School expressed gratitude for the messages of support from parents and the wider community. In a post on the school’s Facebook page, staff reassured families that Friday would see the school open again for pupils and staff, with additional support resources available to help students cope with the event.
Official statements and ongoing support
Gaynor Davies, director of education and inclusion services at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, offered condolences to Olivia-Grace’s family and the school community. She praised the quick actions of the school staff who provided first aid before paramedics took over, and she reiterated the council’s commitment to providing educational psychology and learner support services for pupils and staff dealing with this loss.
Authorities emphasised that the EdPsych and learner support teams would be available to help students process the tragedy and to reassure families as they navigate the days ahead. In these moments, schools often become focal points for collective mourning, and the support networks established by councils and education services can be vital for emotional recovery.
Looking ahead with compassion and care
As families, classmates, and teachers come to terms with Olivia-Grace’s death, the emphasis remains on care, transparency, and community resilience. Schools facing such tragedies typically review safety and wellbeing procedures to ensure they continue to support children’s emotional health and sense of security. The sharing of memories, together with professional guidance, often helps students begin to heal while honoring the life of a peer who touched many lives in a short time.
For those affected by this loss, local support groups and school-based counseling services will play a crucial role. Community members are encouraged to reach out to school leaders, local authorities, and bereavement services for guidance and help navigating the days to come.
