Dad's heartbreaking tribute to 'cheeky' five-year-old son following sudden death

31 January 2024 , 22:04

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Jeffery Ekpechue was found unresponsive by his father and sadly later died in hospital (Image: GoFundMe)

A dad has given a heartbreaking tribute to his five-year-old son after he died suddenly.

Jeffery Ekpechue was found unresponsive at his home in Tameside, Greater Manchester, and sadly later died in hospital on January 7. The 'cheeky' young lad, who had Down's syndrome and went to Manchester Road Academy Primary School, became ill a few days before his death.

Dad Michael said he was lethargic, had a high temperature and had lost his appetite. He said doctors thought he was most likely suffering from a bug. Michael, 45, found Jeffrey limp in his bed. "When I went to check on him I realised his whole body was cold and he had not moved from his sleeping position," he said.

"I started performing mouth-to-mouth. That's when he started to wake up, he began vomiting everywhere and I was desperately trying everything to keep him conscious." Jeffery was rushed to Tameside Hospital, where he tragically died. Paying tribute to his son, Michael, from Droylsden, told the Manchester Evening News: "Jeffery was a happy, playful and mischievous little boy - with smile so big it would light up any room."

"Despite being born with Down's syndrome and complex health needs - and very little speech - his personality would shine through. He always had this cheeky twinkle in his eyes and would give you the most loving hugs you longed for each day. Jeff had an infectious laughter that lightens up your mood and makes you realise life is not so gloomy. The youngest of two, Jeffery leaves behind older sister Victoria, seven, as well as his dad."

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

His sister made the 999 call while her dad tried to revive him. "Jeffery and his sister were inseparable," Michael added. "He would copy everything she taught him - cartwheels, flips and splits. He mastered the splits as they did it together. One of Jeff's favourite games was playing hide and seek with his sister. He also enjoyed playing with water as well.

"Like every other kid his age, he loved it when you sang his nursery rhymes to him, especially 'head, shoulders, knees and toes'. He would do the actions repeatedly." Michael said his son had an 'infectious laugh' that 'lightened your mood and made you realise life isn't so gloomy'. "His laughter was the light of our home," he said. "We will forever miss him." A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money to help with the expenses for Jeffery's funeral. An inquest into his death is due to be held in the coming months.

Ryan Merrifield