In a heartbreaking and miraculous turn of events, a newborn baby girl named Posie has survived after her mother, Emma Atkinson, tragically fell 90ft from the tenth floor of Shakespeare Towers in Leeds.
Emma, a mother-of-five, died instantly, but doctors delivered her baby five weeks prematurely. Posie remains in critical care.
Emma, who had named her daughter weeks before the incident, had recently shared her excitement on Facebook.
In one post, she proudly showed off her baby bump, writing: “It’s a girl, I couldn’t be happier.” Sadly, Emma’s joyful anticipation was cut short in a devastating accident.
Her daughter Demi broke the tragic news to friends and family with a heartfelt post on social media.
“I need you so much mum, please come home. I just wanna kiss you and hear your voice. I love you more than life, mum,” Demi wrote, expressing her overwhelming grief and loss in the emotional tribute.
Tributes from family, friends, and local residents have poured in, with floral arrangements left near the spot where Emma fell.
One poignant tribute featured five butterflies, a touching symbol of Emma’s five children. Demi added in another post, “You was so loved mum, I just wish you knew that.”
Local resident Mandy Shires, who witnessed the aftermath of the tragedy, spoke to MailOnline about the heart-wrenching scene.
“She had no chance falling from that height, but it can only be a miracle that her baby is alive. We are all praying the little girl makes it through.”
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Emma’s friends also expressed their shock and sorrow.
Dylan Connolly, a close friend, described her as “the crazy friend we all needed” and added, “You was far too good for this life.” Another friend, Zoe White, wrote, “I am broke. One of the best. I can’t put into words the pain in my heart for you and your kids.”
The community is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
One resident told the BBC that after hearing a “thud” followed by screaming, the gravity of the situation became clear. “It’s a shock to everybody, to the whole community,” he said, emphasizing the devastation felt by those who knew Emma and her family.
Police have confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Emma’s death.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police stated: “The woman died at the scene as a result of her injuries. Her baby was delivered at the hospital and is receiving critical care.”
Leeds city councilor Luke Farley described the incident as “deeply distressing.”
Embed from Getty ImagesHis colleague Asghar Khan expressed his sadness at the news. A police presence has remained in the area to reassure residents in the wake of the tragedy.
As the community rallies around Emma’s surviving children, the focus now turns to baby Posie’s fight for life.
Everyone hopes that this tiny miracle who has already defied the odds will continue to pull through and grow stronger.
For now, the hospital remains Posie’s home, but the hope is that one day she will leave behind the tubes and machines and begin her life surrounded by her family’s love.
