A two-year-old boy who tragically died at nursery after suffering a medical emergency has been named.
Little Jude Gerrard suffered a fatal medical episode at the Early Learners Day Nursery in Bootle on January 14. Police were called to the scene at around 12.35pm and the tot was taken to hospital by paramedics, where he was sadly pronounced dead. Officers later confirmed they had launched an investigation to establish the full circumstances of the incident and the child’s cause of death.
In a heartbreaking tribute issued through the police today, his parents said: “This is our sweet baby boy, Jude Gerrard. We are absolutely heartbroken and devastated beyond words by this shocking and unexpected loss of the love of our lives. I know all parents think this about their own children, but Jude truly was so incredibly special.
“Everybody who ever met him couldn’t help but instantly love him, and he had so much love for everyone too, even if he’d pretend to web you like Spider-Man or wrestle you like Hulk Hogan. Our lives will never be the same again, he really was too good to be true and we can’t believe he has been taken away from us like this, with something so preventable. He deserved so, so much more.
“We count ourselves so lucky we got to be his mummy and daddy for two and a half years, even though he should have had so much more time. Please respect our privacy as we process and grieve this unimaginable loss and the police continue to investigate what happened to our amazing, beautiful, caring boy, Judie.”
A fundraiser has now been launched to raise money in memory of Jude, pay for his funeral and help his parents Rebekah and Charlie to grieve. The GoFundMe page says the little child had a “vibrant personality”, loved Spider-Man, Wrestling and Liverpool FC. He was described as “a shining light” in his parents’ lives.
It reads: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Jude Gerrard, the cherished 2-year-old son of Rebekah and Charlie. Jude was tragically taken from us in a devastating incident at the nursery, leaving a void that can never be filled. On Tuesday 14th January, what started off like any normal day with Jude going to nursery to play and learn with his nursery friends ended in tragedy at lunchtime with Jude passing.
“Jude should be playing with his toys he received at Christmas and getting excited to go on his holiday in May with all his Cousins, Aunties, Uncles, Gaga, Nan, Mum & Dad but instead, we are now planning to say our goodbyes and plan baby Jude’s funeral.
“Jude brought endless joy and love into the lives of everyone who knew him. His vibrant personality, passions for Golf, Spider-Man, Wrestling, and Liverpool FC made him a little boy full of life and spirit. He was a shining light in his parents’ and all his family’s world, and his memory will forever be treasured.”
A post-mortem has been conducted, but the cause of death withheld pending further reports, the Liverpool Echo reported. Merseyside Police said in a statement: “We can confirm that an investigation is underway following reports that a two-year-old boy suffered a fatal medical episode at a children’s nursery in Bootle. The incident was reported at around 12.35pm yesterday, Tuesday 14 January, at Early Learners Day Nursery, on Hawthorne Road, and the child was taken to hospital by paramedics.
“He was sadly pronounced deceased at hospital and his family is being supported. An investigation has been commenced to establish the full circumstances and cause of death.”
Following the tragedy, the nursery, which was last year rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, said it will be closed for the rest of the week. A message, shared with the Liverpool Echo, was sent to parents from the nursery.
It read: “Dear parents and carers, as you are aware, this afternoon a medical emergency occurred at the nursery. It is with devastating sadness that we have to inform you of a child’s passing.
“To enable everyone to process today’s tragic events, we have made the decision to close the nursery for the remainder of the week, and also to allow us to continue working with relevant agencies. We trust that you understand our decision at this difficult time and we will update you alll with further information in the coming days. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
In May 2024, staff at the nursery were described as providing “a warm, welcoming and safe environment” for children in an Ofsted report. Inspectors also said “parents speak highly of the nursery”, adding that parents “value the nurturing relationships staff form with their children”.
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