Kiara Moore death: Father Jet's tribute after girl, 2, dies in car that rolled into river in Cardigan

The father of a two-year-old girl who died after being rescued from a car found in a river today paid tribute to his “clever little girl”.

Kiara Moore, who would have celebrated her third birthday next week, was pronounced dead in hospital after being rescued from the freezing cold water.

Kiara’s mother Kim Rowlands put out an urgent plea yesterday afternoon saying the car had been stolen with the toddler inside from outside her office in Cardigan, south Wales.

A major search was launched before police found the vehicle in the River Teifi and officers jumped in to free the girl.

The couple run an outdoor pursuits business, Adventure Beyond, which has an office next to the river.

Mr Moore today said the tragedy was an accident.

He said his partner left their daughter in the back of the car when she went back into the office to get money and it had rolled down a slipway.

He wrote on Facebook: “They got in the car to go home. Sat on bank card which snapped and needed money to get home.

“Went back to the office to get money from the desk and came back to no car. Looked in the river No signs. So we thought she and the car had been taken.

“The police found the car a while later and went way beyond the call of duty jumping in and pulling her out.”

He added: “She had a loving family and made us all happy. Love her so much.

“Kiara was an incredible, happy young girl who lived I hope a great adventurous fun life. And may have done more than most people.”

In the early hours of this morning, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Sadly, we confirm that Kiara Moore, aged two, was pronounced dead at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff last night, having been recovered from a car in the River Teifi, Cardigan yesterday afternoon.

“Kiara’s family is being supported by specialist officers."

The force appealed for witnesses who may have seen the silver Mini enter the river between 3.30pm and 4.50pm yesterday.

Noel Lewis, who runs a car repair business next to the slipway from which Kiara went missing, said: “Kiara was the most wonderful little girl. She was always playing out here with her little dog.

“Her parents run an outdoor adventure business the other side of the slipway. I’d often see them taking Kiara out on the river in a canoe. She always had a life jacket on when she was in the canoe with them.

“They’re a lovely family, always smiling and having fun together.”