Schoolboy, 9, dies 'completely out of the blue' on way home from holiday as devastated family pay tribute

09/28/2024 02:11 AM

A SCHOOLBOY, nine, has tragically died “completely out of the blue” on his way home from a holiday.

Freddie Pritchard passed away on September 24 as he travelled back from Tenerife to his home in Wales .

His heartbroken family say they “don’t have a clue what happened” after the tragedy unfolded.

Freddie’s mum Cerys Pritchard, 34, said in an emotional tribute: “It was a huge shock. To be travelling home after a holiday to never arriving home with him is the worst feeling in the world.

“My beautiful baby boy Freddie gained his angel wings. It was completely out of the blue and a huge shock to not only us but extended family and all of Freddie's friends.

“He is our world and we are going to miss him so much as are so many others. Freddie attended All Saints School in Gresford and had made so many friends in all year groups and loved the things they did with the church.

“Freddie is a huge football fan and followed Liverpool FC and Wrexham but just loved football in general and had many international / European kits.

“Freddie was a big part of Gresford Athletic over the years and has been attending and supporting his brother from the day he was born and loved the fact he was following in his brothers footsteps, from the minute he could walk he had a football at his feet and over the years he developed one hell of a kick with his left foot.

“Freddie will always be with us and cheering his favourite teams and team mates on at every game.

“Sleep tight our little angel. We love you so much. As a family we'd like to thank everyone for their love and support.”

The Year 5 pupil was described as being “friends with everyone” and loved spending time with mum Cerys, dad Wayne, his big older brother Charlie, 17, and friends.

Freddie, of Rossett, Wrexham, played for Gresford Athletic under- 10s.

All the club’s teams held a minute’s silence in his memory this weekend.

There was also a minute’s applause in the 14th minute of the under 10s match in memory of the young boy, who wore the number 14 shirt.

Coach Matt Williams said: "As a coaching team, we have worked with Freddie since the age of six when he began his footballing journey with GAJFC.

"We have seen Freddie blossom as a player, teammate and a lovely person. Freddie was a well-loved member of the team and was developing into a good footballer with a fierce left foot, who scored lots of goals for us.

"The coaches, players and parents will all miss Freddie dearly, but he will always be with us in our hearts and he won’t be forgotten."

An inquest is expected to open and the cause of Freddie’s death has not yet been confirmed.

Headteacher Richard Hatwood of All Saints School said: “Our school and wider community has been devastated this week by the tragic passing of one of our Year 5 pupils, Freddie Pritchard.

“Never without a smile, Freddie was everything and more we could wish for in a pupil of our school.

“A happy, polite and courteous boy who was friends with pupils across the school, both young and old.

“This morning we shared in a special service at All Saints’ Church with Reverend Emma and Father Huw and continue to extend our deepest sympathies and wishes to Freddie’s family and friends during this tragic time.

“Our school will be closed on the day of Freddie’s funeral, and once we are aware of this date, I will share this with you.

“I could not be more proud of each and every member of our school community. The love, care and support shown this week has supported us all in navigating this very, very difficult period.”