Tragedy has struck the family of Exeter City F.C. forward Jayden Wareham, following the untimely death of his two-year-old brother, Hartley. The young child was discovered unresponsive in a swimming pool while the family was on holiday in Spain.
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Hartley’s tragic incident occurred on June 29. Reports indicate that he was found in a villa’s pool, prompting immediate action from his father, who retrieved him from the water. After initiating CPR, his mother took over the attempts to revive their son, whilst neighbours alerted emergency services. Although first responders managed to revive Hartley’s heartbeat, his condition quickly worsened. Tragically, he was pronounced dead on July 3, just four days after the incident, leaving family and friends devastated.
During a recent hearing regarding Hartley’s death, the coroner, Alison Longhorn, revealed that the cause of death was attributed to multiple factors including immersion in water, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The heart-wrenching nature of this case has resonated deeply within the local community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support for the Wareham family.
Exeter City F.C., the club where Jayden plays, publicly expressed their sympathies in a heartfelt statement shared on their social media platforms. The club declared their “sincere condolences to the Wareham family following a devastating family bereavement,” adding that they would provide support to Jayden during this extremely difficult period. They also urged respect for the family’s privacy.
In a further effort to honour Hartley’s memory, a fundraising campaign was launched on JustGiving by their father, Darren Wareham. The aim is to collect funds for a memorial bench, designed around the theme of Hartley’s favourite children’s show, “Hey Duggee.” The appeal captures the essence of Hartley’s short life, describing him as a “beautiful little boy” who brought immense joy to his family. The bench will serve as a special tribute, positioned in the garden where Hartley loved to play.
The fundraising page outlined the family’s desire to create a peaceful space in which they can reflect on cherished memories. “It will be a special place where we can sit close to him, remember the wonderful moments we shared, and find a little comfort,” said the description. Any funds exceeding the target of £5,500 are intended for counselling services for family members, aiding their healing journey.
As of the latest updates, the fundraiser has collected over £3,800 out of the £5,500 goal, reflecting the community’s support in the wake of this heart-breaking event.
In addition to these developments, it has been revealed that Jayden welcomed his own child just weeks prior to Hartley’s death. He shared the joyous news of becoming a father to a son, Jace, with a touching post on Instagram. The announcement, accompanied by monochrome photographs from the hospital, captured an emotional moment for the young footballer.
The hearing into Hartley’s death has since been postponed to a later date, with the Devon Area Coroner continuing the investigation into the tragic circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
The family’s loss serves as a reminder of the profound impact of grief and the fragile nature of life. They have garnered significant attention and support from both local and wider communities during this challenging time, highlighting the importance of kindness and solidarity in moments of sorrow.
As the Wareham family navigates this devastating chapter, the focus remains on celebrating Hartley’s joyful spirit and ensuring his memory lives on through the love and support of those who knew and cherished him.