WORST NIGHTMARE
Distraught mum screamed ‘my baby boy’ as son, 2, died after ‘wandering out to feed the ducks’ & falling in canal
Tragedy unfolded as the tot's body was pulled from the water after cops arrived at around 5.30pm
A DISTRAUGHT mum screamed "my baby boy" as her two-year-old son tragically died after 'wandering out to feed the ducks'.
The toddler is believed to have fallen into a canal off Hendon Avenue in Ettingshall, Wolverhampton on Sunday, after leaving his home unnoticed.
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His parents had left a door open to cope with the intense heat, according to their devastated neighbours.
His frantic mum and dad, with the help of locals, raced to the canal less than 100 metres away to search for him.
Tragedy unfolded when the tot's body was pulled from the water after cops arrived at around 5.30pm.
A resident said the mother was "screaming hysterically for my baby boy" as he was spotted in the canal.
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“Police and medics did everything to save him but it was too late. It stated he’d drowned in the water," the witness added.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the two-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
The anonymous local mum of two, who didn’t know the family but came to pay her respects this afternoon, added: “It is every parents’ worst nightmare, for your child to disappear and then be found dead.
As she lay flowers she continued: “It used to so very sad and painful to contemplate. My heart goes out to the family.
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“We heard on a community web chat that the boy had slipped out of the front door.
“It was stifling hot here yesterday, nearly 30 degrees, and some people had kept their doors and windows open to cool down.
“The boy wandered off unnoticed to the canal, probably to see the ducks. Within minutes it was discovered he was missing and a huge search got underway.
“People were asked to help and told the small dark haired boy was wearing a colourful blue top and green bottoms.”
The mum, speaking from the scene where a police cordon and crime tent has since been removed, continued: “Lots of people were out looking and the police arrived very quickly.
“It is heartbreaking. We always come for walks along the canal. It is so peaceful here and a perfect spot to see the ducks and feed them. “
The victim, who has not yet been named, is understood to be of African decent.
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A green Kermit frog and another cuddly toy have been placed on a canal side tree above several bouquets of flowers in memory of the tragic youngster.
A tearful work colleague of the boy’s mother, who is understood to work at a hospital, called at the house to pass on his condolences but the family has been staying away from their house.
The colleague, who did not wish to be named said: “I came here to say how sorry I am after hearing the terrible news that they have lost their son.
“I work with the mother but do not know her very well but my thoughts are with her and her family.”
Another local, a nurse called Sarah whose home faces the canal, said: “I was working at the time but came back around 9pm to see police and ambulance everywhere.
“My neighbour said a boy had fallen onto the water and lost his life.
“I heard the family had left their front door open and the boy had run off.
“I cannot imagine a worse thing to happen and the fact he seems to have been unsupervised at the time makes it worse.
“If someone had seen the boy fall into the water he may have been saved.”
Another resident said: “It is an absolutely tragedy and very upsetting.
“It has really shocked me. It is heartbreaking and I have been crying all night.
“I’m not going to let my baby out of my sight.”
Heartbreaking tributes have been left by the canal, alongside flowers and teddy bears.
One tribute read: "Gone too soon. RIP little man."
Another read: "Rest in peace darling boy."
A third said: "Thoughts with your family at this very difficult time. Rest in peace little boy."
"Our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. RIP little one," read another.
West Midlands Police have said the boy’s death is not being treated as suspicious.
A force spokesperson said: ”At around 5.30pm on Sunday we received a 999 call and sent officers to the area. A two-year-old boy was found in water near to the canal towpath.
“Officers entered the water and pulled the boy out of the water, before performing CPR until paramedics arrived.
“He was taken to hospital, but despite the best efforts of the emergency services he sadly died.
“We do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances and have referred his death to the coroner. We are supporting the family at this devastating time.
“We will have local officers in the area today to offer reassurance and support to our communities.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "On arrival, crews found a boy, who had been pulled from the water by police colleagues, in a critical condition.
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"He was receiving basic life support by officers and ambulance staff immediately took over to administer advanced life support.
"Sadly, despite everyone's best efforts, the child could not be saved and he was confirmed dead at the scene."
Where to seek grief support
Need professional help with grief?
- Child Bereavement UK Childbereavementuk.org
- Cruse Bereavement Cruse.org.uk
- Relate Relate.org.uk
- The Good Grief Trust Thegoodgrieftrust.org
- You can also always speak to your GP if you’re struggling.
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- Griefcast: Cariad Lloyd interviews comedians on this award-winning podcast.
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- Good Mourning by Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn (£14.99, Murdoch Books): A guide for people who’ve suffered sudden loss, like the authors who both lost their mums.
- Grief Works: Download this for daily meditations and expert tips.
- How To Grieve Like A Champ by Lianna Champ (£3.99, Red Door Press): A book for improving your relationship with death.
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