Joshua Aldred Tribute

from the Lytham St Anne's Express

AN eight-year-old boy has died following what was described as a "tragic accident" at his home.

The ambulance service and police were called to an address in Lytham just after 7pm last night after Joshua Aldred was found unconscious in his bedroom by his grandmother.

He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but was pronounced dead at 8pm after resuscitation attempts failed. The cause of this sudden death has not yet been confirmed but is not thought to be suspicious. The Coroner has been informed and a post mortem examination will take place later today.

The youngster attended King Edward and Queen Mary School, Lytham.

Police Family Liaison Officers remain with the family who are distraught.

Joshua's father Jason Aldred said: "Joshua Isaac Aldred was my beautiful son who was so tragically taken from me. In his very short life, Joshua had faced the double tragedy of the loss of his mother, Sarah, from breast cancer on March 17, and his granddad, John, from prostate cancer, on July 9, 2007.

"Outwardly, this loving and happy child, who had a great network of family and friends to support him, coped admirably. He missed his mother and spoke of her often. Our very close relationship was of immense support to both of us.

"A tragic accident at home occurred when Joshua's sadness at the loss he had experienced at such a young age has resulted in this tragedy. The family are sure he expected to only injure himself slightly and are devastated that this cry for attention resulted in the loss of such a beautiful boy.

"Joshua's school life was happy and they have been monitoring him closely after the death of his mother. He was playing happily with no change in his school work.

"We would now ask for some privacy so that we can remember Joshua and come to terms with our loss."

The school said in a statement: "We are shocked and saddened by news of the death of Joshua Aldred. He was a delightful little eight-year-old who will be very sadly missed by children and staff at the school.

We are talking to the children and their parents in the Preparatory School and are providing support to them.

"Our deepest sympathy goes to Joshua's father and the family and we of course respect their rights to privacy at this sad time."