Jayden Wareham's brother dies after Spain pool tragedy
Jayden Wareham's two-year-old brother Hartley Wareham has died after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool on a family holiday in Spain. The Exeter City footballer's sibling passed away in hospital on July 3, five days after the June 29 incident, an Exeter inquest heard.
Key Takeaways
- Hartley Wareham, 2, of Ottery St Mary, Devon, was found unresponsive in a villa pool in Spain on June 29 and died in hospital on July 3.
- He was the brother of Exeter City player Jayden Wareham; the club has asked for the family's privacy to be respected.
- An Exeter inquest heard his father began CPR, his mother continued, and paramedics restored a heartbeat before intensive hospital care.
- Area Coroner Alison Longhorn said the cause of death included immersion in water, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
- The family has launched a JustGiving appeal for a Hey Duggee memorial bench; more than £2,300 has been raised.
The tragedy involving Jayden Wareham's family has drawn widespread attention across Devon football and beyond, with tributes pouring in for the toddler known to loved ones as a joyful little boy.
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What happened to Jayden Wareham's brother Hartley?
According to reporting from the BBC and Devon Live, Hartley was staying with family and friends at a holiday villa in Spain when he was found unresponsive in the swimming pool on June 29.
His father, Darren Wareham, pulled him from the water and began CPR. Hartley's mother then took over resuscitation efforts while neighbours called for an ambulance.
Paramedics restored his heartbeat and rushed him to Hospital Materno Infantil, where he received intensive treatment and was placed on life support. His condition deteriorated, and he died on July 3.
What did the Exeter inquest hear about the cause of death?
An inquest opened on Tuesday, July 22, at Exeter Coroner's Court. Area Coroner Alison Longhorn said Hartley's cause of death included immersion in water, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The court heard the Ottery St Mary toddler died five days after being found in the pool. The inquest has been adjourned to a later date for a full hearing.
How is the Wareham family honouring Hartley's memory?
Darren Wareham has organised a JustGiving fundraiser for a custom Hey Duggee bench in Hartley's memory. The children's animated character was described as Hartley's "absolute favourite thing in the world," and the bench is intended for the garden he loved to explore.
Exeter City FC has backed the appeal, saying the bench will be "a special place where they can sit close to him and remember the wonderful moments that were shared." The club previously said it would support Grecians player Jayden Wareham "through this very difficult time."
The fundraiser states that any money raised beyond the cost of the bench will go toward bereavement counselling for the family. More than £2,300 has already been donated. The family's tribute ends: "Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our little boy."
Dozens of South West football fans have also shared condolences for Jayden Wareham and his relatives as the club and community continue to rally around them.