Gladiators star reveals heartbreaking moment he knew that newborn son wouldn't survive as he launches charity
The TV strongman, 35, opened up about the tragedy as he launches a charity in the little boy's name, saying he hopes the new foundation will help other families facing the same heartbreak.
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Zack - who is better known as Steel - told the Mirror how Leo was born "really strong", before things took a downward turn two days into his life.
Initially, Leo was placed on a ventilator, but after responding well he was taken off it and provided with CPAP, a non-invasive way of keeping airways open.
However, when he was retubed after six hours, it is believed accidental damage was done to his windpipe.
As well as suffering from brain bleeds, a hole in the heart and collapsing lungs, air pockets began to form around his lungs.
Zack said: "Around the tenth day they started getting a bit bigger. They came to the conclusion that when they tubed him, either the first or the second time, they created a hole in his windpipe.
"It's no one's fault, a baby that young is really fragile, it's just a risk.
'That was really hard, because if it hadn't happened, he would probably still be here. A 23-week-old baby has so much to do.
"Overnight, he got quite bad, that's when we went in and he passed away.'
Zack and his partner Samantha made the heartbreaking decision to go against giving Leo CPR.
They couldn't ask Leo to fight any more, having already witnessed him go through so much.
Gladiator Steel shares heartbreaking images from baby son's funeral after his devastating death at just 13 days old
Samantha said: 'Imagine that on a baby so tiny? We didn't want to put him through any more pain.'
Zack announced Leo's tragic death with a heartbreaking picture of he and Samantha holding him.
He wrote on Instagram: "Your mummy brought you into this world and your daddy held you as you left.
"Leo…… you showed us what the true definition of strength is and we are so proud of you.
Where to get support for bereavement
There is lots of help and available if you are experiencing grief after the death of a loved one.
NHS therapy and counselling service s - NHS talking therapies services are for people in England aged 18 or over. You can speak to your GP about talking therapies or get in touch with the talking therapies service directly without going to your GP.
At a loss - Find bereavement services and counselling across the UK
Child Bereavement UK - Offers support if you are bereaved after losing a child. Or if you're a child or young person who is grieving after losing someone.
The Good Grief Trust – a charity run by bereaved people, helping all those experiencing grief in the UK.
Samaritans – if you're struggling you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123 to talk about anything.
"You brought so much positivity to the world with the short time you were with us and we felt that positivity in abundance, we thank you all so much for that."
He continued: "Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love. Thank you for letting us know that YOU had had enough of this fight. We will forever be grateful that we didn't have to make that decision for you."
"Leo our lion, we love you more than you will ever know. Rest easy our little boy."
Now, Zack and Samantha are launching Leo And Friends — a charity set up in memory of their son to raise awareness and funds for Leicester Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.
The first event, 13 Days Fighting, sponsored by Currys, will see challenges take place across the UK this month.
'I want to turn something so awful into something positive,' Zack said.
'Every year we'll honour him with a new challenge — and raise money for the incredible staff who cared for him.'
Zack's first challenge will be a burpee mile – 800 burpees – every day for each of the 13 days that his son lived.
'Just doing one mile is hard,' said Zack.
'Doing 13 back to back will be extremely tough, but I want that. I'm looking forward to the challenge.'
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