A four year old boy tragically lost his life after being struck by a tumbling memorial stone while in the company of his great-grandmother, prompting an investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Eli David Testa met with a heartbreaking accident at Rawtenstall Cemetery while visiting with his great-grandmother on Saturday July 5. The youngster from Rossendale, Lancashire, was fatally injured when a stone memorial toppled onto him.
Desperate efforts were made to save little Eli at the Royal Blackburn Hospital where he received advanced life support, but he sadly succumbed to his injuries. A CT scan indicated that a traumatic head injury was the cause of death.
An inquest into the tragic event was initiated and then adjourned today at Preston Coroners’ Court. Area Coroner Kate Bisset noted that while the police inquiry had wrapped up, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had been “notified.”
The coroner recounted: “Eli was in a cemetery with his great-grandmother when a stone cross on top of a grave came loose and fell on top of him causing injuries which sadly resulted in his death. An ambulance was called and full advanced life support was started at the scene and he was transported to the hospital,” reports the Mirror.
She added: “Given the nature of the injuries and that there was a known cause of his death at that time he was subject to a post-mortem CT scan [as opposed to a full post-mortem examination]. The cause of death is likely to be recorded as a traumatic head injury. That will be a matter for the coroner at the final hearing.
“Police have confirmed there is no longer any active police investigation. There was no reason to suspect there was any suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement at the time. The HSE have been notified.”
The matter is scheduled to appear before the coroner’s court on October 9 to determine whether further proceedings will take place, according to The Manchester Evening News.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the youngster, who has been described as a “bright soul who brought joy in the purest, most magical way,” whilst over £17,000 has been collected for his family through a GoFundMe appeal.
During yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Rossendale and Darwen MP Andy MacNae stated he would convey his sympathies to Eli’s parents Jessica and Tommy.
The MP declared: “Last week four-year-old Eli Testa was killed in Rawtenstall Cemetery when a memorial stone fell on him.
“All of Rossendale was shocked by this tragedy so I hope the Prime Minister will join me in offering our deepest condolences to Eli’s parents and family.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded: “Can I extend my deepest condolences to Eli’s friends and family.”