The family of a three-year-old who was found dead in a lake following a widespread search have described him as a “happy, cheeky, playful” boy “who loved to laugh, loved to giggle and who brought joy wherever he went”.
Noah Woods had left an under-fives play area in Brantham, Suffolk, “through a gap in the fence” and became separated from the relative who was with him on September 15, an inquest was told.
Search and recovery
Around 1,300 members of the public joined a search to find the youngster, but Met Police divers recovered his body from a lake known locally as Decoy Pond on the afternoon of September 16.
Following Friday’s hearing, which was opened then adjourned to a date to be fixed, Noah’s family released a tribute to him through Suffolk Police.
They 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.”
Inquest details
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick told Friday’s inquest 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”.
In their tribute, Noah’s family said: “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.”
Mr Connick told the inquest CCTV footage in the park “showed Noah playing with his relative”.
The first CCTV footage was timed at 2.13pm and Noah 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.
Family memories and thanks
Noah’s family said in their tribute that he was “the most affectionate little boy”.
They said: “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.”
They thanked Good Dads Club, which set up an online fundraiser for the family which has raised more than £113,000, Ipswich Town Football Club and “everyone who helped during the search”.
Noah’s mother 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.”
Friday’s inquest was told that Noah’s medical cause of death was pending further investigation.
Assistant coroner for Suffolk Jyoti Gill said: “The inquest is adjourned to a date to be fixed in due course.”
