A DAD has told how his daughter's friend will be "traumatised for life" after watching the eight-year-old fall to her death from a 60ft tower block balcony.
Minnie Rae Dunn's dad Daniel Kenney revealed she and a pal were "messing about" on the balcony of a flat in Buckland, Portsmouth, Hampshire.
But as Minnie climbed onto a sofa she lost her footing and began to fall.
Her terrified friend reached out a hand to try to pull her back but missed, Daniel revealed.
He said: "There was a sofa on the balcony which Minnie climbed up, and then she fell over the balcony.
Two New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times Square
"(The girl) tried to grab Minnie’s hand to stop her falling but was unable to get it.
“I feel bad for her, she will be traumatised for life.”
Minnie tragically died on August 24, 2023, after falling from the Pickwick House tower block.
Speaking just days after cops dropped charges against a 43-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of child neglect, Daniel said he still has “a lot of questions” over his daughter's death.
My angel, I am going to miss your sassiness and the way you spoke your mind
Minnie's mum Rebecca
Daniel believed the tragic accident could have been avoided and spoke about what a “difficult job” the police must have had when investigating the circumstances of his daughter's death.
He said: “Minnie should not have been out on that balcony in the first place. We have a lot of questions.
“We think further action should have been taken and Minnie’s death was avoidable.”
On Wednesday, Hampshire Constabulary said "no further action" would be taken against a 43-year-old woman who had previously been arrested on suspicion of child neglect.
A statement said: "At the current time we do not believe that there was third party involvement in Minnie’s death and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.
At least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centre
“Following our enquiries a 43-year-old woman, who was arrested on suspicion of neglect of a child, has been released without charge and will face no further action."
According to Daniel, Minnie lived with his parents in Southsea, Portsmouth, and was staying away the evening she died.
Daniel went on to describe the heartbreaking moment he was told the devastating news by police.
He said: "Officers knocked at the door and said they had some bad news. I thought it was about my mum or dad, or maybe my brother.
"Then they said it was Minnie… and that she had fallen off a balcony after an accident and had not made it.”
The shocked dad added: "It’s been difficult for me and my parents. We are suffering.
“Some of the toxic and misinformed things people say online has not helped either.
“I’d like to make it clear the council is not to blame in any way either.
“My parents did everything for Minnie and decided to take her on and bring her up. They deserve a lot of credit.
“They did so much for her. They even paid for her funeral.”
MEMORIAL BENCH PLANNED
Daniel hopes to see a memorial bench in honour of his daughter and said: “No one will ever forget Minnie, she was unique”.
In October last year, the 560ft Spinnaker Tower in her home city of Portsmouth shone bright pink as a tribute to the schoolgirl.
Speaking at her funeral, Daniel said: “It was a beautiful service. We couldn’t have asked for anything better and are so grateful to everyone for their help.
"Minnie was obviously loved in the community but we didn’t realise how much until we saw the support. It was incredible.
“My brother gave an amazing speech at the service about her being unique and sassy which broke everyone.
"We had the Spinnaker Tower lit up in pink which they did at short notice, so we are very grateful to them.
“The community really came together for her - I have never seen anything like it.”
After her death, the schoolgirl's mum Rebecca paid tribute in a statement, saying: “My angel, I am going to miss your sassiness and the way you spoke your mind.
Minnie had a big heart. Everybody loved her.
Minnie’s grandparents Ian and Dorothy Kenney
"Your big bright smile that always melted my heart will be missed so much.
"I have a hole shape in my heart that will always be there.
"My little angel, fly high, I love you to the moon and back. Mummy."
Minnie’s grandparents Ian and Dorothy Kenney said: “Minnie had a big heart. Everybody loved her.
"She had lots of friends and had recently come back from a two-week holiday which she loved and where she made lots of friends.
"Minnie liked singing and dancing and going on her trampoline and playing with her grandad who would run after her and make her laugh.
"Minnie was a savvy, sensible child. We are going to miss you so much. Fly high our beautiful princess”.
A statement on behalf of her brothers and sisters, Porscha, TJ, and Alisha, read: “Although our time was short together we will always cherish the times we did have, and we will always love you.
"You will always be an angel."
