Gavin Hurle, the father of the 4-year-old boy who died at a resort pool in Cumbria, has paid an emotional tribute to his son on Facebook, the Mirror reports.
Luca Hurle was on holiday with his family at Old Park Wood park in Cumbria Monday afternoon when the tragic incident occurred.
After emergency services were alerted at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Luca was rushed to Furness General Hospital in a critical condition and was later transferred to Liverpool’s Alder Hey Hospital.
Cumbria Police confirmed Tuesday that Luca had died.
“Police can confirm that the four-year-old boy involved in this incident has sadly died,” the police said in a statement.
While details surrounding the boy’s death are unclear, loved ones confirmed that he drowned in the swimming pool.
“Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident but the death is not being treated as suspicious,” said the police. “Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”
His dad, Gavin, has taken to Facebook to post a heartbreaking tribute to his toddler. The post came with two photos of the tot beaming at the camera with a waterfall serving as a backdrop. Another photo shows the father and his son posing for a selfie at Ingleton Waterfalls Trails, which is only a 50-minute drive away from the holiday park.
“Rip my little Angel daddy loves you so much xxxx,” Hurle wrote.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157529690730001&set=a.10150881786525001.711363.661215000&type=3&permPage=1
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157529690910001&set=a.10150881786525001.711363.661215000&type=3&permPage=1
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157529691115001&set=a.10150881786525001.711363.661215000&type=3&permPage=1
Luca, Gavin, and Donna Southcott, Gavin’s partner, reportedly visited the North Yorkshire-based attraction with family friends on Sunday.
https://www.facebook.com/gavin.hurle/posts/10157520255990001
The father’s emotional tribute has been posted just as a JustGiving page was set up to raise £2,000 in support to Luca’s family.
Sophia Wheeler, who set up the page, wrote, “Little 4 year old Luca drowned while on holiday with his family. You can show your support to Luca’s family by donating to help celebrate his life. Taken too soon. Sleep tight angel x”
Luca reportedly stayed with his family in a lodge at the holiday park before he died.
The site of Luca’s death is situated near the coast and is described on its official website as “a luxury, private holiday park” set within the Holker Estate.
For the past 24 hours or so, friends and family of the boy have taken to social media to express their sorrow over the tragedy and to pay tribute, as reported by the Sun .
“Omg such devastating news, I can’t even begin to imagine what your going through. Sending you massive hugs and thinking of you at this awful time… gorgeous boy, keep all the good times and happy memories close to your heart they will be with you forever,” wrote Rachael Ashpole in the comments section of Hurle’s post.
“This has stopped me in my tracks. No clue what’s happened to your litte cutie but sending strength and hugs,” another wrote.
“Absolutely heartbreaking Gav, so sorry for your loss, much love to you and your family RIP little fella,” wrote another family friend of the Hurles.
“Words can’t describe how sorry I am for your loss! My thoughts go to you and your family! Heaven has gained another angel! ?? ???????? RIP Luca,” wrote another.
Luca’s aunt, Kirsty Oatley, also went on Facebook to hit back at “sick” online trolls who somehow found the tragedy “amusing.”
“This is about my nephew we are all deeply devastated and I cannot believe some people have laughed emojis on this you sick twisted people where’s ur souls,thank you to everyone else’s comments of condolences x,” she wrote.
Duncan Peake, chief executive of the park, said in a statement, “Our thoughts are with the family of the young boy.”
[Image via Gavin Hurle/Facebook]
