An inquest has heard the heartbreaking details of how a two-year-old boy died after falling into a flooded river while on a walk with two of his aunts in Leicester. Xielo Maruziva, who had only started nursery weeks before, tragically lost his life in the incident that occurred in February 2024.
The Fateful Afternoon Walk
The tragedy unfolded at approximately 5pm on February 18, 2024, at the Aylestone Meadows nature reserve near Marsden Lane in Leicester. Xielo was walking along Packhorse Bridge, a few steps ahead of his aunts, when he suddenly disappeared from view and entered the water of the River Soar.
Desperate Search Efforts
Despite immediate search efforts by family members and emergency services, Xielo's body was not recovered until nearly four months later on June 6. The inquest at Leicester Coroner's Court heard that the water level was exceptionally high and the river was flowing rapidly due to flooding from heavy rainfall in the preceding days.
Family Members' Testimony
Nicole Maruziva, one of the aunts who had taken Xielo out that day, gave emotional testimony about the moment the tragedy occurred. "I saw Xielo on the side and he took what looked like a step but once he took that step he wasn't there anymore," she told the court tearfully.
Ms Maruziva described how she ran to the point where he had disappeared and realised the bridge opened up into water. Without hesitation, she jumped into the river despite not knowing how to swim. "I was just using my arms to try to find him," she explained. "As soon as I got in, the water was up to my chest so it was deep water and I was trying to find him with my arms but I could not feel anything in the water."
Bridge Safety Concerns
The jury heard concerning details about the bridge's design and surrounding area. Packhorse Bridge features waist-height walls on both sides, but it is reportedly unclear to pedestrians where the bridge structure actually ends. The area is designated as a flood plain, yet there is no signage warning walkers that water levels might be dangerously high.
Additional Family Perspectives
Memory Maruziva, Xielo's great aunt who was visiting family in Leicester at the time, testified that the toddler had been walking "perfectly fine" during their outing. The family had been carrying him for parts of the journey and would pick him up when cyclists or dog walkers approached to ensure his safety.
"When Xielo was walking, he was a few steps ahead of us but not very far," she told the inquest. "He was always in our eyesight." The family had not been using reins or a pushchair during the walk.
Father's Desperate Attempt
The inquest heard that Xielo had been spending the weekend at his father Bradley Maruziva's home when his aunts took him for the walk. Upon learning what had happened, Mr Maruziva rushed to the scene and also jumped into the water in a desperate attempt to save his son. He subsequently suffered from hypothermia as a result of his time in the cold river.
Medical Evidence Presented
Forensic pathologist Dr Frances Hollingbury provided medical evidence to the jury, stating her professional opinion that Xielo died as a result of the effects of being immersed in water.
Family Tributes to a Beloved Son
Xielo's mother Kayela Smith, who was 19 when she had her son, read a moving statement describing him as becoming more "independent, curious and adventurous" before his tragic death. "The day he was born was the best day of my life," she said. "He had the biggest personality for such a small little boy. He was my best friend, my soul twin and my whole world."
Bradley Maruziva, Xielo's father, wrote in his statement: "In the time I was with him I was already so proud of him and proud to be his dad. Our energy matched and he made me like a big kid again. He was fearless and loved going to talk to dogs in the park to stroke them. We all miss Xielo so much. Not a day goes by when I don't think of him."
Ongoing Inquest Proceedings
The inquest, which is being heard by a jury at Leicester Coroner's Court under senior coroner Professor Catherine Mason, is expected to continue for five days as all evidence is carefully examined. The proceedings will further investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident that has left a family devastated and raised questions about safety in flood-prone recreational areas.
