A FAMILY was left heartbroken when their “little warrior” went to sleep and failed to wake up.
Cruz, just 5, was put to bed but died in his sleep.
His death in May of this year left his family devastated.
The little boy’s aunt Siobhan has launched a gofundme page to help with the funeral costs.
She wrote: “Our hearts shattered after the sudden and heartbreaking loss of my nephew, Cruz.
“At just five years old, Cruz was a beacon of love and light, a warrior who filled our lives with joy and laughter.
“He was a healthy boy who went to sleep one night and never woke up. He had no prior illness, injury, or warning signs.”
Cruz is thought to have died as result of SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood). SUDC leaves families left with unimaginable grief.
His aunt added: “In the midst of grief, we are also faced with the harsh reality of the financial burden that has come with giving Cruz
the farewell he deserved.
“My brother and sister-in-law are not only navigating the overwhelming pain of losing their boy, but they are also caring for their two other children while my brother has been unable to return back to work due to their loss.
“I cannot bear to see my family silently struggling through this pain. That’s why I am here, humbly asking for your support.
“Every donation, no matter the size, will go a long way in helping ease the financial strain on my brother and his family during this incredibly difficult time.
“Your generosity will provide some comfort and relief to a family in mourning.”
SUDC is a category of death in children aged one to 18.
It applies to deaths that remain unexplained after a thorough investigation, including an autopsy.
Most often, a seemingly healthy child goes to sleep and never wakes up.
Experts believe it happens to one in every 100,000 children.
But they don’t know what causes it, meaning it is impossible to predict or prevent.
Source: SUDC Foundation
