A devastating wave of sorrow has struck the Peoria community as it was confirmed that 6-year-old Nola, who had been in critical condition following a tragic drowning incident earlier this week at Mt. Hawley Country Club, has sadly passed away.
Nola, described by her family as a vibrant, lively, and loving little girl, had been fighting for her life in the intensive care unit after she and her older sister were found unresponsive in a pool during an employee appreciation event at the country club. The sisters had been attending the gathering with their family—a day that was meant to be filled with celebration and joy turned in an instant into every parent’s worst nightmare.
According to initial reports, lifeguards and staff rushed to the scene and immediately began administering lifesaving efforts. The older sister thankfully regained consciousness, but Nola remained unresponsive. Emergency responders continued resuscitation efforts en route to the hospital, and she was eventually stabilized upon arrival. She was placed in critical care, and the community held its breath in hope.
That hope was tragically shattered today.
Nola’s mother shared the heartbreaking news publicly, pouring out her grief in a deeply emotional post that reflects the raw and unimaginable pain of a parent’s worst loss. Her words echo the anguish that so many feel alongside her:
“I CANNOT BELIEVE I have lost a child. I was supposed to be leaving with BOTH my kids, NOT just ONE! My sweet baby, my twin, my little replica! MY NOLA AMOUR!!! I’m soooooo sorryyyyyy babyyyyyy I’m so fuckin sorryyyyyyyy!!! If I could give my life for you to have yours I would—no hesitation. THIS IS A TRUE HEARTBREAK. I LITERALLY FELT MY HEART BREAK. I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. You were our live wire, you were the life of every single party!!!! You were my girly girl. I knocked heads with you so much because you are my twin—literally. The one who always wanted to be where I was at, calling like she was my man lol, if I’m not home lol. I CANNOT ACCEPT THAT GOD NEEDED YOU MORE THAN ME. I’LL NEVER ACCEPT IT. BABY I CAN’T TAKE THIS!!! I love you more than words could ever express.”
The pain in her voice reverberates far beyond the screen. Her words have since spread across social media, prompting an outpouring of grief, solidarity, and prayers from across the region and beyond. Friends, neighbors, and strangers alike are mourning Nola’s passing—a child taken far too soon, a life brimming with potential, laughter, and love.
Nola’s death has also reopened painful questions about water safety, supervision, and emergency response—not as a means of blame, but as a desperate wish that no other family ever endure such a loss. The details surrounding the incident remain under review by authorities, though the immediate priority remains supporting the family during this unbearable time.
For now, the focus is on honoring Nola’s memory. A child whose joy lit up every room, who danced through life with curiosity and energy, who loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. She leaves behind grieving parents, siblings, extended family, and a community that has been forever changed.
The pain of her absence will be long-lasting. But so too will the love she brought into the world. Her memory will live on—in stories, photos, shared tears, and in every small moment where her light once shone.
Rest in perfect peace, sweet Nola Amour.
Your name, your spirit, and your love will never be forgotten.
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