A toddler who died after a ‘medical episode’ at a Bootle nursery has been pictured for the first time.
Two-year-old Jude Gerrard was rushed to hospital on Tuesday, January 14, following the incident at the Early Learners Day Nursery at around 12.35pm.
He was sadly pronounced dead shortly afterwards, with his death currently being treated by police as ‘unexplained’.
A post-mortem examination has taken place, but the cause of death has been withheld pending further reports, Merseyside Police said.
Jude’s heartbroken parents have told of their devastation at his loss, describing their son as an ‘amazing, beautiful, caring’ boy.
In a statement accompanied by pictures released by the parents through police, they said: ‘This is our sweet baby boy, Jude Gerrard. We are absolutely heartbroken and devastated beyond words by this shocking and unexpected loss of the love of our lives.
‘I know all parents think this about their own children, but Jude truly was so incredibly special.
‘Everybody who ever met him couldn’t help but instantly love him, and he had so much love for everyone too, even if he’d pretend to web you like Spider-Man or wrestle you like Hulk Hogan.
Two-year-old Jude Gerrard was rushed to hospital on Tuesday, January 14, following the incident at the Early Learners Day Nursery at around 12.35pm
Jude’s heartbroken parents have told of their devastation at his loss, describing their son as an ‘amazing, beautiful, caring’ boy
‘Our lives will never be the same again, he really was too good to be true and we can’t believe he has been taken away from us like this, with something so preventable.
‘He deserved so, so much more. We count ourselves so lucky we got to be his mummy and daddy for two and a half years, even though he should have had so much more time.
‘Please respect our privacy as we process and grieve this unimaginable loss and the police continue to investigate what happened to our amazing, beautiful, caring boy, Judie.’
Launching the page, friends of the family wrote: ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Jude Gerrard, the cherished two-year-old son of Rebekah and Charlie.
‘Jude was tragically taken from us in a devastating incident at the nursery, leaving a void that can never be filled.
‘On Tuesday 14th January, what started off like any normal day with Jude going to nursery to play and learn with his nursery friends ended in tragedy at lunchtime with Jude passing. ‘
Jude should be playing with his toys he received at Christmas and getting excited to go on his holiday in May with all his Cousins, Aunties, Uncles, Gaga, Nan, Mum & Dad but instead, we are now planning to say our goodbyes and plan baby Jude’s funeral.
‘Jude brought endless joy and love into the lives of everyone who knew him. His vibrant personality, passions for Golf, Spider-Man, Wrestling, and Liverpool FC made him a little boy full of life and spirit.
‘He was a shining light in his parents’ and all his family’s world, and his memory will forever be treasured.’
The nursery remained closed for the rest of last week after the tragedy
Police were called to the nursery on Hawthorne Road, Bootle, Merseyside after the incident and say Jude’s death is currently ‘unexplained’
Police were called around 12.35pm last Tuesday to the nursery on Hawthorne Road.
A spokesperson said Jude’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers and that the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.
Following the tragedy, the nursery told parents it would remain closed for the rest of last week ‘to enable everyone to process today’s tragic events’.
The message, which was reportedly shared on social media and was sent to parents from the nursery, said: ‘Dear parents and carers, as you are aware, this afternoon a medical emergency occurred at the nursery.
‘It is with devastating sadness that we have to inform you of a child’s passing.
‘To enable everyone to process today’s tragic events, we have made the decision to close the nursery for the remainder of the week, and also to allow us to continue working with relevant agencies.
‘We trust that you understand our decision at this difficult time and we will update you all with further information in the coming days. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.’
A resident living in flats across the road said: ‘I saw quite a few police cars outside on the road outside. I didn’t know what had happened today but it’s very sad.
‘The nursery has been here quite a while and it’s well-regarded.’
