Toddler daughter of Voice star dies as runaway car knocks over wall
A TODDLER has died after a Range Rover rolled into a wall causing it to collapse on her.
Pearl Black, a year old, suffered fatal injuries when the unoccupied vehicle went out of control in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. She had been walking home with her father Paul and younger brother when the accident happened.
Mr Black, who was holding his eightmonth-old son at the time, tried to shield her. Both he and his son were injured. Mr Black is a tattoo artist and entertainer who appeared on the 2014 season of The Voice.
South Wales Police last night confirmed they were examining a 17-yearold Range Rover belonging to a neighbour of Pearl’s grandparents.
In a statement released by South Wales Police, Mr Black and his wife Gemma said: “Pearl was every single star in every single sky; she was as bright as the stars. When she looked at you with those eyes she would melt your heart. She was the reddest pearl in the ocean and the sweetest melody ever written. She was the greatest dancer and she has left a massive hole in our hearts. The world will be a darker place without her. She was the reason we all lived.”
Police said Pearl and her younger brother were taken to hospital after the incident at 1.39pm on Sunday.
Pearl was taken to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil by air ambulance but died a short time later. Her brother had minor injuries, officers said. The homeowner whose garden wall was demolished did not want to give his name, but said: “It is just tragic, harrowing.”
Rebecca Morgan, 30, from the area said she saw Mr Black standing near the site of the accident from a window on Sunday night. Ms Morgan said the village had been eerily quiet yesterday morning after the incident. She said she understood that the family had been to the park and were walking back when the accident happened.
South Wales Police said an investigation was under way to establish how the toddler suffered fatal injuries in the incident.
A force spokesman said: “An investigation is now under way into the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is known that an unoccupied Range Rover which had been parked in a driveway rolled down the hill and collided with a wall, which collapsed. The family respectfully ask to be left alone to grieve at this very difficult time and are being supported by specially trained officers.” Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.