The family of a three-year-old boy found dead in a lake after he escaped a play area through a gap in the fence has paid tribute to the "most affectionate little boy".
Noah Woods was reported missing on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 15. Police said the little boy was non-verbal and partially deaf. His disappearance sparked a major search with around 1,300 members of the public joining the effort to find Noah in Brantham, Suffolk. Officers said he had become separated from a member of his family before heading in the direction of a lake known as Decoy Pond.
Inquest opened into Noah's death
An inquest for Noah, from nearby East Bergholt, was opened this morning (September 25) by Coroner Jyoti Gill at Ipswich Coroner's Court. Suffolk Police previously said Noah's death was not being treated as suspicious, but enquiries were ongoing prior to the inquest.
Now, Noah's family have paid tribute to their "playful" three-year-old boy, who they said "could make anyone smile".
Family's tribute
On behalf of Noah's family, Suffolk Constabulary said: "Noah was a happy, cheeky, playful three-year-old boy who loved to laugh, loved to giggle and who brought joy wherever he went."
"He was part of a loving and caring family, living with his mummy, daddy and his little baby brother. He was at the centre of our world."
Noah was being assessed for autism, although he had not received a diagnosis. He also had mild hearing loss and was speech delayed. Despite the challenges he faced, he was learning every day.
"He was saying new words all the time and had only just started finding and using his little voice. One of the things we miss most is the special sound of his voice. It was unique, wonderful, and something we will carry with us forever."
"He absolutely adored his little baby brother. He loved spending time with him, entertaining him and making him laugh. He would follow him around and always wanted to be close to him. The bond they shared was incredibly special."
"Every Tuesday since the day he was born Noah went to the park with a treasured relative. They had the most wonderful relationship, they loved playing chase together, running around, and exploring the play equipment. Those moments were filled with laughter and happiness and are memories our family will treasure forever."
"Noah loved to be loved. He was the most affectionate little boy. He loved hugs and kisses and soaked up every bit of affection he was given. Every night he would be tickled to sleep. He loved holding hands, being close to people, and feeling safe and loved by those around him."
"He had the most wonderful mannerisms that could make anyone smile. He had a glow about him that lit up every room he walked into. There was something incredibly special about him that drew people to him, and everyone who met him remembers that warmth and happiness."
"As a family, we want Noah's last memory to be one of joy. We want people to remember him running, playing chase, giggling and being the happy little boy that he was. That is who Noah was, and that is how he deserves to be remembered."
"We would also like to say thank you. Thank you to the Good Dads Club, Ipswich Town Football Club, everyone who helped during the search, the emergency services, and the specialist support provided by the police. Thank you to our family and friends who have surrounded us with love, care and support during the darkest time of our lives."
"A special thank you must go to the entire footballing community, from grassroots clubs through to the highest levels of the game, for the incredible love, support and kind thoughts that have been shown to our family."
"The support we have received has been overwhelming, and we will be forever grateful to every single person who has stood beside us and remembered our beautiful Noah."
Noah's mum, Charlie, added: "If there is one thing we could ask of people, it is to hold their children a little tighter, cherish every moment, and never take those precious memories for granted."
A GoFundMe page for Noah's family has also been set up and has so far raised more than £113,000.
