Toddler Dies In Paddling Pool

24 April 2011, 08:19 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A toddler has died after being found unconscious in a paddling pool in Southampton.

Police and ambulance crews were called to a house in Hatley Road at 6.30pm on Wednesday (20^th April) after 2 year old Brooklyn Emon was discovered not breathing.

He was taken to Southampton General Hospital, but doctors were unable to save him.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "I was out in my garden and could hear the children laughing and playing.

"Then suddenly all hell broke loose, there were ambulances and police.

"It's an awful thing to happen.''

Another neighbour said: "They are a lovely family, they are such wonderful parents. It's terrible, absolutely terrible.''

A Hampshire police spokesman said: "Officers from the constabulary's specialist investigations department are currently investigating”.

Brooklyn’s parents have released a statement paying tribute to their “happy little boy” who would never be forgotten.

His mum, Leah Montague and dad, Adam Emon, said that the toddler would be missed by his whole family, including his older half-brother Jamie, seven.

They said: “Brooklyn was such a happy little boy. He was always laughing and his smile could brighten up even the darkest days.

“He was an adventurous little boy and was the definition of fun. He had a special smile that everyone who met him would always remember.

“He was very close to his little brother Lewis - who will be one next month - and was always looking out for him and making sure he was ok.

“Brooklyn was an amazing little boy who touched the lives of so many people. We just want him to wake up and give us a cuddle. It's killing us to stay strong, but we have to for Lewis.

“Brooklyn also had an older half-brother, Jamie, aged seven, who was his best friend. He always looked forward to him coming to stay.

“One of our proudest moments as parents was seeing Brooklyn ride his bike just hours before he tragically died.

“We would like to thank all our family and friends for the love and support they have given us during this difficult time.

“We would especially like to thank Brooklyn's nanny and granddad - Brenda and Andrew Montague - his great grandparents Pat McKenzie and Harold Lloyd and Doreen and Roy Montague, and also Sam McKenzie, aunty Sam and nanny Sonia.

“Our neighbours have also been fantastic and we can't thank them enough for their help when this happened and also over the last couple of days. We didn't realise how special out neighbourhood is.

“We miss Brooklyn so much. We will always love him. He will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts.”

The little boy's death is not currently being treated as suspicious.

An inquest is to be opened into his death on a date still to be set.