The family of the young French boy who was thrown from the 10th floor of the Tate Modern in 2019 has expressed deep concern that his recovery has suffered what they describe as a "sad step backward." The child, who was just six years old at the time of the attack, sustained severe and life-changing injuries when he was pushed from the London art gallery by Jonty Bravery.
Severe Injuries and Ongoing Hospitalisation
The boy miraculously survived a 100-foot fall, but the incident left him with a brain bleed and numerous broken bones. His family, who affectionately call him "notre petit chevalier" or "our little knight," provided a heartfelt update on a GoFundMe page this week. They revealed that his rehabilitation is proving longer and more difficult than anticipated following a surgical procedure in January.
"He is still hospitalised in a rehabilitation centre because he is still unable to walk," the family stated. "He has only been able to have weekend leave for the past three weeks, in a wheelchair, which frustrates him greatly: it feels like a sad step backward."
Previous Progress and Current Setbacks
In an earlier update from October, the family had shared positive news, noting that the boy had achieved his "long set" goal of being able to run, jump, and swim again. However, the recent setback has dampened spirits. "He is eager to be able to walk again and resume a normal life outside the rehabilitation centre, even if this normal life means spending half his time in treatment and only the other half at school," they continued in their latest post.
The family highlighted a silver lining: they have finally found a school perfectly suited to his needs, which he was able to try out before his operation. "In a very short time, he made new friends who have stayed in touch despite his extended absence," they said. "They encourage him and eagerly await his return. It's a warm welcome he hasn't received at school in a long time."
Uncertain Future and Family Support
Despite the challenges, the family remains steadfast in their support. They admitted they do not know how much longer his hospitalisation will continue, but emphasised, "Our little knight, as courageous as ever, continues to fight and train, and we will remain by his side to support him no matter what." The GoFundMe appeal was set up by London nurse Vicky Diplacto, whose brother was paralysed after an accident overseas, to help with the boy's ongoing care and recovery efforts.
Background on the Attacker
Jonty Bravery, who was 17 at the time of the attack, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years. Autistic and in supported accommodation at the time, he was allowed out unsupervised and intended to select and kill someone, as later revealed in court. Bravery, now 24, has faced additional legal troubles, including being jailed for 16 weeks earlier this year after being found guilty of assaulting two nurses at Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric hospital in Berkshire, in September 2024. In 2020, he also received a 14-week jail sentence for attacking staff at the same facility.
