Toddler, 3, dies after being swept down a 411ft waterfall and trapped under rapids during family visit

A THREE-YEAR-OLD child tragically died Sunday night after being washed over a waterfall.

Police said the accident happened at Whitewater Falls in North Carolinathe tallest waterfall east of the Rockies.

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The child was identified as Nevaeh Jade Newswanger of Denver, Pennsylvania, according to a statement from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

MPs told local media that at 5.50pm it was reported that a child had fallen into the water at the top of the falls and been carried away by the current.

Rescuers from five counties rushed to the scene to search for the missing chili.

Unfortunately, the rescue proved to be in vain as the three-year-old girl was found dead in the waterfall just before nightfall.

Local reports say her body was recovered in the early hours of Monday morning.

The waterfall is a popular tourist attraction that plunges 411 feet from its top.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the area is difficult to access with rough terrain.

The toddler’s family is said to be temporarily residing in Oconee County, South Carolina while working in the area The Charlotte Observer.

Local officials said the fatal accident “underscores the dangers of visiting natural areas like Whitewater Falls.”

“With the onset of spring weather, we need to be reminded of the dangers associated with many of the region’s scenic areas, such as waterfalls.

“Although beautiful to look at from a safe distance, venturing closer to the falls for any reason poses enormous dangers.

“Always keep your distance, follow applicable safety precautions and warnings, and view falls from designated vantage points,” police added.

The Whitewater Falls accident occurs just a week later A hiker fell 20 feet until her death while boating in the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. Margaret Osswald, 34, died right on the banks of the Colorado Flow.

One week ago, another woman died rafting down the Colorado River Arizona. 68-year-old Mary Kelley of Steamboat Springs, ColoradoShe fell into the water on the ninth day of a multi-day rafting trip near Hance Rapid, it said Explanation from the National Parks Service.

Also in late March, a hiker fell to her death from Bulls Head in central Utah, falling as much as 100 feet. Mother-of-four Candice Thompson, 26, was walking with her husband Colton when she fell to her death. No foul play is suspected.