Family pay tribute to boy, 8, who drowned after falling in a river

The family of an eight-year-old boy who drowned after falling into a river have called him ‘beautiful in every single way’ in a heartbreaking tribute. 

Joshua Hillstead fell into the River Arrow in Alcester, Warwickshire, on July 22. 

He was pulled from the water and rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where he sadly died the following evening in his father’s arm –  just two days before his ninth birthday.

Warwickshire Police said Joshua, from the Maypole area of Birmingham, had ‘complications resulting from drowning’.   

Now his family have paid tribute to him by issuing a statement through the police. 

Joshua Hillstead (pictured) fell into the River Arrow in Alcester, Warwickshire, on July 22. He was pulled from the water and rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where he sadly died the following evening – two days before his ninth birthday 

Warwickshire Police said Joshua, from the Maypole area of Birmingham, had ‘complications resulting from drowning’ 

In a tribute to Joshua his family said: ‘We miss you so, so much and would do anything for one more smile, one more cuddle, or just to talk to you one last time’ 

They said:  ‘Our darling boy Joshy,There are no words to describe the devastation we are feeling for your loss.

‘We miss you so, so much and would do anything for one more smile, one more cuddle, or just to talk to you one last time.

‘Mommy and daddy are lost without you. You were such a big part of our family, and we will never be the same again.

‘The day we lost you, we all lost a part of ourselves along with you.

‘The thought of having to carry on life without you breaks our hearts every day.’

The tribute carries on by saying Joshua’s amazing personality and beautiful nature leave a ‘big space that only you can fill.’

They added: ‘There are no words to describe the devastation we are feeling for your loss.

‘We miss you so, so much and would do anything for one more smile, one more cuddle, or just to talk to you one last time.

‘Mommy and daddy are lost without you. You were such a big part of our family, and we will never be the same again.

‘The day we lost you, we all lost a part of ourselves along with you.’

The family end the statement by paying tribute to the emergency services that helped rescue Joshua from the water. 

Billy Hutt, headteacher of The Coppice Primary School in Hollywood, where Joshua was a pupil, previously paid tribute to a ‘popular’ student with a ‘beautiful smile’

Joshua’s headteacher said: ‘We are deeply shocked to hear the news that one of our pupils, Joshua Hillstead, had sadly lost their life as a result of a tragic accident. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Joshua’s family and friends at this very sad time’

The River Arow near Alcester where Joshua fell into the river. Detective Inspector Heidi Twynham said previously: ‘Losing a child is devastating, and we offer our condolences to the family after this tragic accident – we are liaising with the family to provide support’

He said: ‘We are deeply shocked to hear the news that one of our pupils, Joshua Hillstead, had sadly lost their life as a result of a tragic accident.

‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with Joshua’s family and friends at this very sad time.

‘We will make sure that we surround Joshua’s family with our love, care and compassion and will make sure that we are there for them every day.’

Mr Hutt added: ‘The loss of Joshua has left a hole in our school community which we will never be able to fill and we now need to concentrate on ensuring that we support Joshua’s family and siblings in every way we can.’

Detective Inspector Heidi Twynham said previously: ‘Losing a child is devastating, and we offer our condolences to the family after this tragic accident – we are liaising with the family to provide support.

‘Fast, unpredictable currents and invisible deeper sections make rivers dangerous places, particularly for children and non-confident swimmers.

‘Please take caution around our waterways.

‘Thank you to our officers, members of the emergency services, and the hospital staff for everything you’ve done over the past few days.’