Girl, 8, killed in tractor accident on farm was only the survivor of quadruplets who died at birth
'Community rallying round' devastated family after Jessica Needham killed in Co Mayo, Ireland
A LITTLE girl who was tragically killed in a farm accident was the only survivor of quadruplets who lost their lives at birth, it has emerged.
Jessica Needham, eight, from Co Mayo, Ireland was described as a “miracle baby” who struggled on in hospital for a number of months after she was born.
Her parents were said to be devastated after she tragically died in an accident involving a tractor on Tuesday.
She was taken to Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar, but was pronounced dead at 5.40pm.
Pat and Michelle Needham and their six-year-old daughter Grace were being comforted at the family home in Lismolin, Islandeady, Co Mayo, on Tuesday night.
Parish priest Fr Pat Donnellan revealed the tragedy that hit the family when Jessica was born.
He added: “The community is rallying around the family, as always happens.
“Jessica was one of four children born in 2007 and after her siblings died she struggled on for a number of months and became a miracle baby after she pulled through.
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“Jessica’s middle name was Amy - the name of one of her sisters who did not survive.
“She was a beautiful child. A healthy, happy, smiley child.
“She was with her mother and her sister Grace, aged six, at the Islandeady Festival Fun Run last Saturday morning.
“She took part in the run and looked so happy.
“No one could have known this would happen.
“I married her parents and I baptised Jessica in about 2008.
“It’s just an awful tragedy – I’ve known the family for about 15 years.”
Jessica’s devastated teachers, friends and family gathered at St Paul’s National School which she attended to pay tribute this week.
Tearful principal Tony Varley told the : “I often thought that Jessica was the sunshine, when she arrived the sun would come out.
“Jessica will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know her.”
He added: “It is a terrible tragedy for the Needham family, the extended family, our own school and the whole community of Islandeady.”
Two separate investigations have been launched into the child’s death – one by local cops and the other by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
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