The headteacher of the primary school attended by Joshua Hillstead has paid tribute to a “popular” and “well thought of” pupil with a “beautiful smile”.
Joshua, age 8, from Maypole, Birmingham, sadly lost his life on Tuesday, July 23 after falling into the River Arrow in Alcester.
He died after being taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital following the incident on the evening of Monday, July 22.
Mr Billy Hutt, headteacher of The Coppice Primary School, Hollywood, said the school was deeply shocked to hear the news that one of its pupils had lost their life as a result of a tragic accident.
He said their thoughts and sympathies were with Joshua’s family and friends at this sad time and that they would make sure the school community would be there for the family every day, surrounding them with love, care and compassion.
Mr Hutt said: “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 had an ability to connect with others and, as a result, he would always contribute positively to group situations and was always willing to lend a helping hand to any of his friends when they required it. This is why he was so popular and well-thought of.”
“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. He excelled in his understanding of how to support others which is why he was always such a valuable team player.
“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.
“We are also working closely with Worcestershire Children First to offer specialist support to pupils and staff. Our school community is an incredibly close one and we will all pull together to ensure that we do this, however I would ask the community to respect the privacy of the family at this very sad and difficult time.”
A book of condolence is now open and on display at St Mary’s Church in Wythall, Worcestershire for anyone to pay their tributes.
The book will also be available during the first week of September at The Coppice Primary School so that anyone who may be on holiday can also contribute.
Meanwhile, the community of Alcester held a vigil for Joshua at St Nicholas’ Church on Saturday (July 27) evening attended by more than 200 people. A book on condolence is open at the church until Saturday (August 3).
READ Family of Joshua Hillstead pay tribute to “wonderful son loved by all”
READ Boy, 8, dies after falling into the River Arrow in Alcester
