Thousands raised for funeral of four-year-old boy killed by gravestone in Rawtenstall Cemetery
The youngster, who ITV News is choosing not to name to respect his family's wishes, was at Rawtenstall Cemetery in Lancashire on Saturday, 5 July, when he was injured.
Emergency services were called but the boy could not be saved, Lancashire Police said.
More than 400 people have donated to a fundraiser on Go Fund Me, set up by relative, Donna Miller, to help pay for the child's funeral.
Ms Miller said his parents were "devastated" to have lost their son in a 'freak accident", adding: "All donations no matter how small will help this young family massively and help them deal with this unexpected tragedy.'
In a statement, Lancashire Police said: 'As many of you are already aware there was a tragic incident in Rawtenstall yesterday and we just wanted to give you the latest.
'We were called to Rawtenstall Cemetery at 1pm yesterday (July 5) following reports a gravestone had fallen onto a child.
'Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy sadly died. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time.
"His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed onto HM Coroner in due course.'
The police also added that the boy's family have requested privacy and that he has not been named publicly to respect this wish.
Rossendale Borough Council, responsible for the cemetery in Rawtenstall, said in a statement: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery today.
'Our thoughts are with the family at this devastating time. Rossendale Borough Council is working with all relevant agencies to understand the circumstances of this incident.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
We let homeless friend live in our flat for £30 a week – when he finally left we were shocked at what he'd done
Stomach-churning photos show thousands of lager cans strewn across the floors of almost every room 'UTTERLY EXPLOITED' We let homeless friend live in our flat for £30 a week – when he finally left we were shocked at what he'd done Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TENANT from hell left his home waist-deep in rubbish including 3,000 beer cans. He was a friend in need let the two-bedroom flat by Chris and Sandra Considine in 2018. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A tenant from hell left his home waist-deep in rubbish including 3,000 beer cans Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 3 Chris Considine let the flat to a friend in need who refused to leave and paid rent only once in seven years Credit: SWNS:South West News Service But he blocked access, refused to leave and paid rent only once in seven years, the couple say. When he eventually fled the property in Nuneaton, Warks, they were greeted by scenes of utter squalor. Stomach-churning photos show thousands of lager cans strewn across the floors of almost every room — with dozens more stacked up on the window sills and shelves. Former DPD worker Chris, 70, said: 'We just couldn't believe it.' And grand-of-three Sandra, 58, called the smell 'horrendous'. She added: 'The rubbish was waist-high when he left in January — it was shocking.' The kind-hearted couple agreed to help the pal, who was about to be made homeless. They moved him into the flat, which they originally bought for daughter Rose, and asked for only £30 a week to cover the service charge and ground rent. Sandra said: 'We were trying to be kind but in the end we just feel utterly exploited.' Rose, 25, has set up a GoFundMe page to help her parents pay for professional cleaners. 3 Chris's daughter has set up a GoFundMe page to help her parents pay for professional cleaners Credit: SWNS:South West News Service We clean council homes for new tenants - the 'Council Estate Princess' was the worst one yet, with dog poo everywhere and mould too Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
We let homeless friend live in our flat for £30 a week – when he finally left we were shocked at what he'd done
A TENANT from hell left his home waist-deep in rubbish including 3,000 beer cans. He was a friend in need let the two-bedroom flat by Chris and Sandra Considine in 2018. 3 3 But he blocked access, refused to leave and paid rent only once in seven years, the couple say. When he eventually fled the property in Nuneaton, Warks, they were greeted by scenes of utter squalor. Stomach-churning photos show thousands of lager cans strewn across the floors of almost every room — with dozens more stacked up on the window sills and shelves. Former DPD worker Chris, 70, said: 'We just couldn't believe it.' And grand-of-three Sandra, 58, called the smell 'horrendous'. She added: 'The rubbish was waist-high when he left in January — it was shocking.' The kind-hearted couple agreed to help the pal, who was about to be made homeless. They moved him into the flat, which they originally bought for daughter Rose, and asked for only £30 a week to cover the service charge and ground rent. Sandra said: 'We were trying to be kind but in the end we just feel utterly exploited.' Rose, 25, has set up a GoFundMe page to help her parents pay for professional cleaners. 3
ITV News
19 hours ago
- ITV News
Grandmother's tribute to 'popular' Birmingham City fan, 16, who died in Sutton Park lake
The family of a "popular" football-loving teenager have paid tribute for the first time since his body was recovered from a lake. Daniel Drewitt went missing after entering the water at Powell's Pool in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, shortly after 6pm on Thursday. His body was recovered hours later. Now, his family have released some of their favourite recent photos of the teenager. In a statement issued by the police, they said: 'Daniel was a handsome, funny and talented boy who really cared about his friends and family. 'Everyone wanted to be his friend and he was popular because of the beautiful spirit he had. 'Daniel was a big Birmingham City Football Club fan and would love going to the games with his grandad and friends. 'He had so many dreams and aspirations and he had his whole life ahead of him. 'He has been taken from us way too soon and we still can't process what is happening right now. 'His family and friends are all devastated from this awful tragedy, and this will forever leave an everlasting pain in all of our hearts. 'We cannot put into words how much we will miss him and his cheeky smile.' The family thanked the community for its support, saying it gave them comfort knowing that 'they all saw what we saw in him'. 'Miss you so much' Meanwhile, his grandmother, Lilian Swann commented on Facebook post: 'That's our beautiful grandson who had his whole life ahead of him we will never recover from this. 'Love you loads Daniel and miss you so much, Nan and grandad Roy xxx.' Daniel was a . Staff at his school described him as "full of life" and a "talented sportsman". Northfield Town FC said he was "a fantastic young man who always wore a smile on his face whether on or off the pitch". And Daniel's manager at Bromsgrove Rovers described him as a "cheeky lad from Birmingham who loved life to the max, always worked hard in training and games and a pleasure to work with." More than £6,000 has been raised after a GoFundMe fundraiser was launched to cover Daniel's funeral expenses.
