Tragedy as boy, 8, dies in his dad's arms after drowning in Warwickshire river
Joshua Hillstead was pulled from the river in Alcester on Monday night and died a day later, Warwickshire Police said.
An eight-year-old boy has died after drowning in a river in Warwickshire.
Youngster Joshua Hillstead was pulled from the River Arrow in Alcester on Monday evening and died last night in his Dads arms from complications from drowning.
away last night in his Dads arms 23/7/24 in Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
A statement said: “On the evening of 22 July at around 9.30pm, we were called to a report of a young child who had fallen into the river behind Kingfisher Way in Alcester.
“Police, fire, and ambulance services were in attendance. The boy was pulled from the river, before receiving first aid and CPR.
“One other child was also in the water but did not require further treatment and was returned home.
“Joshua was then taken to hospital, where he had been receiving treatment in hospital until he passed away late yesterday evening.”
A GoFundMe page has now been set up to help Josh's family "so they do not have to worry about anything whilst they are going through this horrendous tragedy".
The GoFundMe page read: "Hi my name is Kyle Hotchkins and I am fundraising to help the family of Josh Hillstead who horrendously lost his life after coming into difficulty in the River Arrow, Alcester on Monday Evening 22/7/24.
This comes as a body has been found in the search for a 16-year-old boy who got into trouble in a reservoir in Dudley on Tuesday evening, West Midlands Police said.
Dudley Commander, Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg said: “This is a desperately tragic event and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends.
“Equally this has affected the wider community who have been extremely supportive.
“We will have extra officers in the area during the coming days and we would urge anyone with concerns to talk to us.”
Formal identification is due to take place.
James Williams, assistant chief ambulance officer, said: “This is a truly tragic outcome, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to the boy’s family and friends.
“Our specialist water rescue hazardous area response team paramedics were immediately deployed into the water to join fellow emergency service colleagues in the search.
“Hart paramedics and an incident commander remained at the scene overnight and this morning with police, fire and specialist divers to continue the search.
“Sadly, the teenage boy was found by the dive team and was confirmed dead by paramedics at the scene.
“We would like to thank the public and local community for their continued co-operation whilst emergency colleagues remain at the scene.”
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