Heartbroken family pays tribute to 'beautiful' son Joshua Hillstead after tragic drowning in River Arrow

Joshua Hillstead was pulled from the River Arrow in the quiet market town of Alcester, Warwickshire, at around 9.30pm on July 22. Despite receiving trauma care at the scene and being rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Joshua sadly passed away the following evening. Warwickshire Police reported that Joshua, from Maypole in Birmingham, suffered “complications resulting from drowning.”

The devastated family released a moving tribute and a series of photos of the smiling youngster, saying: “Our darling boy Joshy, there are no words to describe the devastation we are feeling for your loss. We miss you so, so much and would do anything for one more smile, one more cuddle, or just to talk to you one last time."

The tribute continued: “Mommy and daddy are lost without you. You were such a big part of our family, and we will never be the same again. The day we lost you, we all lost a part of ourselves along with you. The thought of having to carry on life without you breaks our hearts every day. There is a big space that only you can fill, your amazing personality and your beautiful nature made everyone love you even more."

The family described Joshua as "the kindest, most caring, and most considerate and gentle boy" and expressed their pride in being his parents. They added: "Even though it was such a short time, you filled our hearts with so much love and joy. Your cheeky smile and funny, crazy side were enough to cheer up anybody’s day and to put a smile on their face!"

They also expressed their gratitude to the emergency services and medical staff who assisted Joshua: “On behalf of our whole family, we would like to express our deepest gratitude and love to the emergency services that helped rescue our boy, gave us the time to be with Joshy, and allowed us the chance to say goodbye.

“Also, to the amazing doctors and nurses who treated our boy with the utmost respect, care, and love. To us, you are all true heroes, and words cannot express our gratitude to each and every one of you.”

Joshua’s headteacher, Billy Hutt, from The Coppice Primary School in Hollywood, where Joshua was a pupil, also paid tribute to the "popular" student with a "beautiful smile."

Hutt said: "We are deeply shocked to hear the news that one of our pupils, Joshua Hillstead, had sadly lost their life as a result of a tragic accident. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Joshua’s family and friends at this very sad time."

Hutt continued: "Joshua had a beautiful smile. He had a strong friendship group, and his relationships with them were based on kindness and enthusiasm for life. Joshua always engaged enthusiastically in lessons, particularly science and computing.

“He was also passionate about physical education and loved team activities, where he was always an active participant and always displayed a positive attitude. The loss of Joshua has left a hole in our school community which we will never be able to fill, and we now need to concentrate on ensuring that we support Joshua's family and siblings in every way we can."

Detective Inspector Heidi Twynham previously commented on the tragedy, saying: “Losing a child is devastating, and we offer our condolences to the family after this tragic accident – we are liaising with the family to provide support.

“Fast, unpredictable currents and invisible deeper sections make rivers dangerous places, particularly for children and non-confident swimmers. Please take caution around our waterways.”