Devastated family mourn ‘happy joyful boy’ in swimming tragedy
A SERVICE has been held to celebrate the life of tragic three-yearold Leeds boy Rocco Wright.
Rocco, of Scarcroft, died after being found in the deep end of the swimming pool at the David Lloyd Club in Moortown last month.
Mourners gathered at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Moortown yesterday.
The hymn Amazing Grace
was sung as Rocco’s blue coffin, which was adorned with cartoon characters, was brought into the church.
Rocco’s family wrote in the order of service: “As a family we would like to thank you for joining us today to celebrate Rocco’s life and express our sincere thanks for the many kind wishes, thoughts and prayers received at this time. “All donations kindly received in memory of Rocco are greatly appreciated and will given to St Martin’s House (children’s hospice in Wetherby).” The final hymn sung was All Things Bright and Beautiful.
In a statement following the tragedy, Rocco’s father, Steven, said: “We are all totally devastated by the loss of the most amazing happy joyful boy you could ever wish to meet. “Rocco truly loved life and we will be left with a void forever that can never be filled. RIP buddy, we’ll love you forever.’” An inquest opening at Wakefield Coroner’s Court last week heard Rocco was at the pool with his father and four-year-old sister when the tragedy happened on Saturday April 21.
One of the children was due to have a swimming lesson and a discussion was taking place about that when Rocco walked away.
Senior Coroner Kevin McLoughlin said: “The little boy wandered off and was found in the deep end of the swimming pool. His father dived in to recover the child.”
The inquest opening was told emergency treatment was started and two doctors swimming at the pool attended to Rocco.
Paramedics arrived and Rocco was taken to Leeds General Infirmary, where he was confirmed dead just after 1pm on Sunday April 22.
Mr McLoughlin said a post mortem was carried out but the cause of death must await further tests. The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.