Mother of girl who drowned in car seat will carry guilt for life

The mother of two-year old Kiara Moore, who drowned inside the family's Mini on Monday, has blamed her "own stupidity" and said she will have to "live with the guilt" for the rest of her life.

Kim Rowlands had parked the Mini outside the Adventure Beyond outdoor pursuits business in Cardigan owned by Kiara's father, Jet. According to a Facebook post by Mr. Moore, Ms. Rowlands sat on and snapped her bank card when she got into the car, and returned to the office to get some cash.

When she came back out, the Mini, with Kiara inside, was missing.

Dyfed-Powys police attended the scene following the reports that the car and child had gone missing, and conducted a search. Nearly 90 minutes after the initial report, the silver Mini was located in the adjacent River Teifi, with Kiara still inside. She was recovered from the car, but died at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

It's not clear how the Mini ended up in the river from its parking spot on the slipway next to the business, but police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

See Also: Child rescued from car in Cardigan's River Teifi

See Also: Two-year-old girl dies in apparent accident after car plunges into river

A police spokesperson said: "Police have made extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and can now confirm that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.

"The vehicle was recovered from the river early this morning. H.M Coroner has been advised. Kiara's family are being supported by specially trained officers."

Rowlands' post on Facebook read: "Sadly yesterday my beautiful baby girl passed away! Due to my own stupidity, I will have to live with the guilt for the rest of my life! Mummy loves you baby girl and I'm so sorry!"

By Andrew Evans