AN 11-YEAR-OLD Highland girl has died after undergoing an emergency operation.
Chloe Morrison had been ill for about a week and was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness when her condition deteriorated.
Doctors operated on her but the youngster did not recover after the surgery and died hours later.
It is thought that Chloe, who was in her final year at Smithton Primary School in Inverness, had suffered a bowel problem.
Her devastated family were too upset to talk about the tragedy yesterday but said the youngster was “the sunshine in our lives” and was “always smiling”.
Chloe lived with her mother, Tracy, elder sister Katherine and grandfather Arthur Harris in the Smithton area of the Highland capital.
Her father, Duncan, was also being comforted as the family made arrangements for the youngster’s funeral. The service is not expected to be held until next week.
They have already received sympathy messages and cards from friends in the community, including Chloe’s head teacher.
Children in her class have been told about her death and the school has also sent a letter to other families.
Smithton Primary head teacher Aileen Mackay told parents and carers: “It is with great sadness and shock that I have to inform you of the death of Chloe Morrison in Primary 7.
“She had been ill for a very short time but, after an emergency operation, she did not recover and died on Monday, January 13, in Raigmore Hospital.
“Her happy, smiling face will be a sincere loss to our community. She enjoyed playing outdoors and with younger children.
“Our sincere condolences go to the whole family, particularly to Arthur, her grandfather, Tracy, her mother, and Katherine, her big sister, all of whom helped out regularly at the school.”
The tragedy happened as Chloe’s family prepare for the birth of 16-year-old Katherine’s baby boy in a few months.
Tracy Morrison said they were distraught that Chloe would never meet her new nephew.
The family are well known in the community, where Mr Harris served as chairman of Smithton and Culloden Community Council. He is now involved with the Smithton Residents Association.
Family friend William Fraser, a funeral director, said: “Smithton Primary has lost a star pupil.
“She was a lovely girl who I remember skipped down the path.
“She was a precious pupil of the school and a joyful friend to many.”
Details of the funeral service have not been finalised.
David McGrath, of Smithton and Culloden Community Council, said the whole community had been left shocked by Chloe’s death.
Friends also posted tributes to the girl online.
One woman, Rhona McGregor, said: “Lovely young lady, so unbelievable and hard to take in. Can’t begin to imagine what the family are going through.”
And Margaret McInnes said: “So tragic for the family, a little life taken way before her time, condolences to them all.”