Rowlands wrote on Facebook: "Sadly yesterday my beautiful baby girl passed away! Due to my own stupidity, I will have to live with the guilt for the rest of my life! " mummy loves you baby girl and I'm so sorry"!"
Father Jet Moore, said Kiara had been left in the car while Rowlands went into the office of his business, Adventure Beyond, to get some money.
On returning to the car, it had disappeared sparking fears it had been stolen. A two-hour police search followed and Kiara was pulled from the water by officers. She later died.
The silver Mini tragically rolled into the river outside dad Jet's canoe and kayak touring company base called Cardigan Bay Active - with Kiara trapped in her child seat in the back. Photo / Fecebook
Moore wrote: "They got in the car to go home. Sat on bank card which snapped and needed money to get home etc.
"Went back to the office to get money from the desk and came back to no car.
"Looked in the river. No signs. So we thought she and the car had been taken."
It is not yet known exactly how the vehicle ended up in the river or for how long Kiara was left in the car unsupervised.
Dyfed-Powys Police said they were called at 3.30pm and that the Mini had been found at 5.11pm.
"Police have made extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and can now confirm that we are not looking for anyone else.
"The vehicle was recovered from the river early this morning. H.M. Coroner has been advised. Kiara's family are being supported by specially trained officers."
The child's mother frantically on Facebook: 'Can everyone look out for the car, It's been stolen with my 3-year-old daughter in it. Please share!' Photo / Twitter
Adventure Beyond is next to a slipway near the old Scout Hall, where the vehicle was reported missing from. It is believed Rowlands also works at the business.
Paying tribute to his daughter Moore said: "She was an incredible happy young girl who lived I hope a great adventurous fun life. And may have done more than most people Been skiing twice and skied her self! Paddled the great glen Scotland Paddles the wye Played on every beach we could.
"Had a Loving family and made us all happy She always wanted to be called RAR RAR which was our Knick Name for her Love her so much."
Moore today thanked everyone who had helped try to save Kiara, adding: "A mega thank you the officers who jumped in the river and the rest of the emergency services for all they did. Unfortunately Kiara had an amazing but short life."
Noel Lewis who runs a car repair business close to where Kiara disappeared told BBC Wales that Kiara was "the most wonderful little girl", adding "she was always playing out here with her little dog".
"I'd often see them taking Kiara out on the river in a canoe. She always had a life jacket on when she was in the canoe with them.
"They're a lovely family, always smiling and having fun together."
