Mia Holland-McCormack, 9, died on Boxing Day after being swept away in flood waters

A devastated community is rallying behind the parents of a nine-year-old girl killed during a severe thunderstorm on Boxing Day.

A little girl who died in floodwaters on Boxing Day has been remembered by her family as a mischievous soul, as the community rallies around her devastated parents.

Mia Holland-McCormack, 9, went missing from her family’s Rochedale South home on December 26 just before a severe thunderstorm hit. 

Mia, who was severely autistic, jumped the back fence of their home and was last seen along Palara Street about 6.15pm.

Members of the community quickly joined forces and started searching for Mia, with many posting desperately in local social media pages.

“Mia likes parks and water, if you live next to any parks can you please check, and your yards,” one person wrote in a community page.

Mia Holland-McCormack died in floodwaters on Boxing Day.

Tragically, Mia was found unresponsive in floodwaters a few kilometres from her home around 11pm.

It’s understood she was swept away in a stormwater drain.

Mia’s family started a GoFundMe page to help her parents, Ryan and Kayla, in wake of the tragedy.

“On Boxing Day evening the unthinkable happened when Mia was found unresponsive in floodwaters,” Ryan’s cousin Tamara wrote.

“Mia loved adventures and getting up to mischief, however being severely autistic this was additionally challenging for her amazing parents Ryan and Kayla.

“As this devastating news comes to the harsh light of reality, so too does the added costs Ryan and Kayla are about to take on, already being a time where everyone is stretched after Christmas.

Mia Holland-McCormack, 9, with her parents Ryan and Kayla.

“If you are able to, I ask that you donate what you can, to help cover funeral costs, additional grief counselling and no doubt some additional time off work while they work through this devastation.

“Every little bit counts – I know it’s a tough time but it all adds up – even $2 when we all group together.”

The Rochedale community was united in grief on Wednesday, with dozens of people paying tribute to Mia on social media.

Mia Holland-McCormack has been remembered as a mischievous soul.

“Our condolences to your family. So many neighbours were out looking for Mia last night and we all wish it had turned out differently. So sorry for your loss,” Pamela Fletcher wrote.

“My deepest condolences to you and your family. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

A community rallying not only with torches last night but full of hope in finding Mia and bringing her home safe,” Leigh Sinden said.

Donate to the Go Fund Me here.