A LITTLE boy tragically died after disappearing from sight while playing in a sandpit.
Ifan Owen-Jones, from Pembrokeshire, had been happily playing near his home.
But emergency services on 7 August were called after Ifan disappeared – with his body recovered from a nearby pond.
Ifan, who had autism, was described as a “happy and healthy child” who had been “enjoying life to the full”.
A fundraising page set up to help with funeral costs said: “He loved fire trucks and the colour blue he had 2 older brothers and 1 younger bother that adored him.”
The boy’s parents Sian and Wedros had their “lives changed forever”, says the page.
An inquest heard that paramedics were called to the Owen-Jones’ house at around 5.30 pm on the day of the tragedy.
Hayley Rogers, of the Coroner’s Office, said: “It was established that Ifan had been heard playing in a sand pit close to the family home.
“When Ifan could not be seen, a search of the grounds ensued and he was found unresponsive in a natural pond.
“Despite best efforts to resuscitate him, he was declared deceased at 8.40pm. Police have launched a full investigation, with ongoing enquiries.”
Coroner Gareth Lewis adjourned the hearing until a date could be fixed.
The fundraising page for Ifan’s funeral has already raised £6,395.
It was recently updated by the family to thank everyone who has donated so far.
The original fundraising post finished by saying: “Thanks for all the support already given we as a family are eternally thankful.”
