The parents of a two-year-old boy who died following a medical episode at a Merseyside nursery have released a heartbreaking tribute describing him as a “beautiful, caring boy” whilst stating his death was “preventable.”
Jude Gerrard was taken to hospital on Tuesday, January 14, after an incident at Early Learners Day Nursery on Hawthorne Road, Bootle, at around 12.35pm.
He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at hospital, Merseyside Police confirmed.
In an emotional statement released through police today, Jude’s parents said they were “absolutely heartbroken and devastated beyond words by this shocking and unexpected loss of the love of our lives”.
The family continues to be supported by specially trained officers as investigations into the circumstances continue.
“I know all parents think this about their own children, but Jude truly was so incredibly special,” his parents said in their tribute.
Jude Gerrard’s parents say his death was ‘preventable’
Merseyside Police
“Everybody who ever met him couldn’t help but instantly love him, and he had so much love for everyone too, even if he’d pretend to web you like Spider-Man or wrestle you like Hulk Hogan.”
The devastated parents described how their lives would never be the same, saying Jude was “too good to be true”.
“We can’t believe he has been taken away from us like this, with something so preventable. He deserved so, so much more,” they added.
The family said they felt lucky to have been his parents for two and a half years, “even though he should have had so much more time”.
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Merseyside Police said Jude’s death is currently being treated as unexplained.
A post-mortem examination has been conducted, but the cause of death has been withheld pending further reports.
Police confirmed they launched an investigation immediately following reports of the medical episode at the nursery last Tuesday.
Officers said in a statement: “We can confirm that an investigation is underway following reports that a two-year-old boy suffered a fatal medical episode at a children’s nursery in Bootle.”
Merseyside Police said Jude’s death is currently being treated as unexplained
Merseyside Police
Emergency services had responded to the incident at around 12.35pm, with paramedics taking Jude to hospital.
The police investigation remains active as officers work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following the tragedy, Early Learners Day Nursery announced its closure for the remainder of the week.
In a message to parents, the nursery said: “It is with devastating sadness that we have to inform you of a child’s passing.”
The nursery explained the closure would “enable everyone to process today’s tragic events” and allow them to continue working with relevant agencies.
The establishment, which was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in May 2024, had been described as providing “a warm, welcoming and safe environment” for children.
Inspectors noted that “parents speak highly of the nursery” and valued “the nurturing relationships staff form with their children”.
The nursery’s Facebook page appears to have been taken down following the incident.
