28-05-2025
Michelle Dewberry reveals terrifying moment when she dived fully-clothed into holiday pool to save her four-year-old boy - after lad drowns in Tenerife
TV Presenter Michelle Dewberry has revealed the terrifying moment she dived into a holiday pool to save her four-year-old son after he went under with 'fear in his eyes'.
In a lengthy social media post, Ms Dewberry recalled the traumatic events in the aftermath of the tragic death of a Northern Irish boy of the same age.
The media personality and GB News host, said her heart was 'breaking' for the 'poor family' of Edward James Watson Massey, from Co Down, who was found unresponsive on Thursday, May 22 in a pool in San Miguel de Abona.
Ms Dewberry said today: 'I have a little boy who is also four. I don't usually share personal stuff about him, but this is important…
'A few weeks ago, we too were on holiday & my boy was in the pool. He was fully supervised by us, but one of his toys drifted out and he instinctively went to collect it.
'Unbeknownst to me, the pool depth changed steeply and my boy lost his footing. He immediately became submerged.
'I will never ever forget the fear in his eyes as he went under, unable to do anything else.'
The 49-year-old then recounted how she jumped fully-clothed into the water to 'grab' her child with her dress becoming 'instantly filled with water' which 'dragged' her back.
She said two lifeguards had come to help her too and that fortunately she managed to pull her son out in time.
But Ms Dewberry added she would 'never forget the terror in his eyes and the fear in my heart'.
Four-year-old Edward James Watson Massey leaves behind his parents Richard and Joanne and sister Victoria.
Paying tribute, they said there lives would 'never be the same without him'.
Emergency services rushed to José Miguel Galván Bello Avenue shortly before 5pm local time following reports of a child in cardiac arrest.
Several hotel guests, including individuals who identified themselves as doctors, reportedly joined the rescue efforts in a desperate attempt to revive him.
It's understood a nurse from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) provided CPR instructions over the phone while medics scrambled to locate a defibrillator
Two advanced life support ambulances and a medical helicopter were sent to the scene.
My heart breaks for this poor family💔
When I read this, I honestly thought 'there but for the grace of god go I'.
I have a little boy who is also 4. I don't usually share personal stuff about him, but this is important…
A few weeks ago, we too were on holiday & my boy was…
— Michelle Dewberry (@MichelleDewbs) May 28, 2025
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, who carried out advanced resuscitation procedures, young Edward could not be saved.
Reflecting on the events, Ms Deweberry said: 'As we come into holiday season, I beg all parents never to take their eyes off their children when they are in the water.
'I speak from experience now when I tell you these tragedies can literally happen in seconds.
'It's quicker than you would ever imagine. None of us deserve to go home without our babies and I send all of my love and best wishes to this family.
'I can't imagine what they must be going through right now. Truly devastating.'
