Schoolgirl dies after emergency bowel surgery

11-year-old Chloe had complained of feeling ill last week. Picture: Contributed

Tributes are being paid to 11-year-old Chloe Morrison, a P7 pupil at Smithton Primary School in Inverness, who did not recover from the surgery after being rushed to the city’s Raigmore Hospital.

She had been ill for about a week, but she was taken to hospital on Monday for the emergency operation, but died hours later.

Her devastated family, including mum Tracy, dad Duncan, older sister Katherine and grandfather Arthur Harris were too upset to talk about the tragedy, but described Chloe as “the sunshine in our lives” who was “always smiling.”

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 sent a letter to families.

Head teacher Aileen Mackay told parents and carers at the school: “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.

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.”

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.”

Margaret Mclnnes said: “So tragic for the family, a little life taken way before her time, condolences to them all.”

Arrangements for the funeral service have not been finalised.