The family of three-year-old Noah Woods, who was found dead in a lake following a widespread public search in Brantham, have paid tribute to him as “a happy, cheeky, playful” boy “who loved to laugh, loved to giggle and who brought joy wherever he went”.
Noah became separated from a relative after visiting a playground in Merriam Close, Brantham, on the afternoon of September 15, Suffolk Police said. Around 1,300 members of the public joined a search to find the youngster, who police said was non-verbal, partially deaf and had been undergoing an assessment for autism.
Met Police divers recovered his body from a lake, known locally as Decoy Pond, on the afternoon of September 16 and Suffolk Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious. An inquest into Noah’s death was opened and adjourned in Ipswich on Friday September 25.
Family tribute
In a tribute issued via the police force, the family 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.
'We want people to remember Noah as a happy little boy'
“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.”
Inquest details
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick told the hearing that on September 15, Noah, of East Bergholt, Suffolk, was being “looked after by relatives and this was part of a normal routine for Noah”. He said they walked to an under-fives play area and CCTV footage in the park “showed Noah playing with his relative”.
The first CCTV footage was timed at 2.13pm and he was last seen playing at 2.37pm, said Mr Connick, who added the CCTV “is motion-activated so doesn’t provide continuous footage”. He said the relative, who was not named at the hearing, had provided a statement to police.
The officer said Noah “left through a gap in the fence leading to the memorial garden where he left through an open gate”. He said Noah went in the direction of Decoy Pond and he was “being closely followed by his relative who was trying to keep up with him”. He said the relative “shouted after him”, but after 200 metres Noah could not be seen.
