THE devastated mother of a two-year-old boy who died in a river after he fell in has paid tribute to her “cheeky and smart” son.
Kayela Smith has launched a fundraiser to help pay for the funeral of her beloved son Xielo Maruziva “to give him the send off he deserves”.
PAXielo Maruziva, 2, tragically died after he fell into the River Soar[/caption]
PAExperts from Specialist Group International helped scour the area for Xielo[/caption]
She posted: “Xielo was only two years old, with such a bright and promising future ahead of him whose life has been taken away from us so soon. Xielo will never be forgotten.”
The heartbroken mum added: “As a family we are heartbroken due to his tragic loss. It is hard to describe the pain and suffering we are all going through.”
The youngster disappeared three months ago when he got into difficulty in the River Soar, Leicestershire.
Police sadly confirmed a week ago that a body found by horrified workmen in the River Soar in Aylestone Meadows, Leicestershire, was the missing toddler.
Ms Smith states on GoFundMe: “I have launched this page as a grieving mother to help with the funeral planning for my little boy Xielo Maruziva, to give him the send off he deserves.”
She continued: “Xielo was a cheeky, friendly, smart, caring and independent little boy. He never failed to make us laugh or smile. He loved playing with his toys, watching cartoons including Bino and Fino.”
Well wishers have so far donated nearly £3,000 of a £6,000 target.
His grateful mum said: “I want to thank all that has shown their continued support, passed on well wishes and any donations throughout this terrible time.”
Tributes have been left at the site where the youngster’s body was found very near to the spot where he had fallen in.
Flowers, cuddly toys and balloons have been placed at the bridge near Pebble Beach beside the popular nature reserve.
One message left at the scene said Xielo was now “with all the the other little angels.”
His maternal grandma Marie Smith has posted a poignant tribute on her Facebook, saying: “R.I.E.P My Lil Angel Grandson Xièlo. So heartbroken, so are your uncles and aunties.
“Your life here with us was over too soon and is is going to be hard to continue every day without you. We love you so much. Until we meet again baby boy. Fly high!”
Leicester Coroner’s Court confirmed the boy’s inquest had been opened and adjourned.
An extensive search was launched after Xielo fell into the water while on a walk with his family, who live in Leicester, on February 18 – but it was later scaled back.
Workers in the Aylestone Meadows area of Leicester, where the youngster first went under the water, made a tragic discovery on June 6.
Cops have now confirmed it is tragic Xielo’s after formal identification took place.
Confirming his body had been found, Assistant Chief Constable Michaela Kerr from Leicestershire Police, said: “We are so sorry to bring this news.
“This is a devastating and tragic incident and our thoughts are with all of Xielo’s family at this most difficult and unimaginable time.’
ACC Kerr, who led the hunt for the toddler, said: “I know this news has affected so many of us and again I want to pass on my thanks to everyone who has been involved in the search for Xielo, for your dedicated work in extremely traumatic circumstances and an extremely complex search
“Thank you also to our communities and wider members of the public for your continued support.”
Following his disappearance, his parents had paid a heartfelt tribute to their son, issued through police.
His mum said: “Xielo is a cheeky, funny, friendly, smart, caring and independent little boy.
“He never fails to make me laugh or smile and always loves a cuddle and some kisses.
The boy’s dad added: “Xielo is a bundle of joy to us. He is a charming and creative little boy and has just started at nursery. He loves cuddles, playing with his toys and going to the park.”
How the search for Xielo unfolded
February 18 – An un-named two-year-old boy fell into the River Soar at Aylestone Meadows. A search was launched by emergency services
February 19 – Multiple specialist teams from police forces across the country join the search
February 21 – Xielo Maruziva is named as the boy who fell into the water. His devastated family call him a ‘bundle of joy’
February 23 – Police vow to continue the search over the weekend.
February 26 – Following calls from Xielo’s family, police announced that a private search team which helped to look for Nicola Bulley will be joining the operation.
February 27 – Search Group International (SGI) joins the search and is seen in Aylestone Meadow
February 29 – SGI team members spotted in the River Soar close to the King Power Stadium
March 10 – The search reaches three weeks
March 21 – The search for Xielo is scaled back, after five weeks
June 06 – Poice searching for Xielo recover a body from the River Soar, close to where the toddler fell into the water
June 10 – Police confirm the body is Xielo’s,following formal identification
June 17 – Xielo’s mother launches a funeral fundraiser
On March 22 – five weeks after his disappearance – his mum appeared to criticise police.
She posted on her public Facebook: “Despite Leicestershire Police’s continuous effort together with the additional resources deployed such as Tactical Support Teams, Specialist Group International, Marine Recovery Dogs, The Environment Agency, Watersafe UK and The National Crime Agency the recovery of my son Xiélo still remains unsuccessful.
“On March 21 Leicestershire Police published a press realise without pre warning myself or my family, explaining that they have come to the decision to scale down on the search for my son Xiélo.
“As a family we are extremely disappointed, frustrated and angry that this decision had been made with no input from ourselves or even an explanation from Police for why they have came to such a sudden halt.
‘We have been made a promise by Police which they haven’t been able to fulfil.”
At the traumatic time, Xielo’s mother wrote: “This is a plea for the Policeand also the wilder public to help us convince Leicestershire Police that the search for Xiélo must still continue!
“As you can imagine we are extremely heartbroken at our unimaginable loss, and still unable to grieve as Xiélo is yet to be brought back home to us.
“We feel we are not being heard nor supported appropriately, professionally or compassionately by Leicestershire Police.
“At this difficult time we are trying to process the information relating to the search, that they have given us in finding Xiélo.”
You can donate to Xielo’s fundraiser here.
PAA police diver from Nottinghamshire Police’s underwater search team searches the river Soar[/caption]