Girl dies after getting stuck in mud while trying to rescue dog

Tragedy: Khrystyna Maksymova, 14, died after trying to save a dog from drowning. Photo / Google / Facebook

A 14-year-old girl from has died after jumping into a pond trying to save her neighbour's dog from drowning.

Khrystyna Maksymova had been walking the dog with her 11-year-old sister when it went into the water to chase a flock of geese, local news reports.

However, once in the water, the brave teenager reportedly found herself stuck in mud and weeds and was unable to swim to the shore, the Daily Mail reported.

Ms Maksymova and her sister Anastasiia would often walk the dogs in their neighbourhood in north Edmonton, Canada, according to a local resident.

"She was a very sweet and polite girl," Vanessa Freeman told the Edmonton Sun.

"She absolutely loved animals and was showing her parents she could handle the responsibility of a dog by walking a few other dogs in the community."

Last Saturday afternoon, the girls had been taking one such pet for a walk when it suddenly went after a flock of birds and jumped into a drainage pond.

Ms Maksymova, a talented gymnast who was set to compete at national levels in 2018, followed the dog but got stuck and disappeared from view.

Several local residents made attempts to save her, but also found themselves stuck in the mire.

Emergency services arrived shortly before 2pm, and pulled Ms Maksymova from the water.

She was rushed to hospital and put on life support, but died the following day.

On Sunday, the local community held a candle-light vigil for the teenager, with dozens gathering to honor Ms Maksymova's life.