In a devastating turn of events, two-year-old Bronson Battersby tragically lost his life due to dehydration. The young boy’s lifeless body was discovered alongside his 60-year-old dad Kenneth in their rental home in Skegness, Lincolnshire.
This heart-wrenching incident occurred on January 9th, leaving a community in shock and mourning.
Bronson and Kenneth were both considered vulnerable, prompting regular visits from a social worker. On January 2nd, the social worker grew concerned when there was no response at the door. Worried for their well-being, she contacted the police. Yet, it took another two days before she could access the property with a key provided by the landlord.
Upon entering the home, the horrifying discovery of Bronson and Kenneth’s bodies shook the social worker to her core. Tragically, little Bronson had succumbed to dehydration and starvation. Reports suggest that he was found “curled up at Kenneth’s legs,” a heartbreaking image that continues to haunt friends and family.
Bronson’s mother later revealed that her son was “two inches too small to reach the fridge,” shedding light on the desperate circumstances he faced. The post-mortem examination revealed that Kenneth’s cause of death was a heart attack, likely occurring after December 29th. Kenneth had previously battled a heart condition that led to jaundice.
Authorities have opened an inquest into Bronson’s death at the Lincolnshire Coroner’s Court. Detective Inspector Claire Rimmer of Lincolnshire Police stated that they were alerted by a concerned neighbor who had noticed Kenneth’s absence and detected a foul odor from the flat.
The investigation continues, as the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership conducts an in-depth review of the case. Although the police are not treating the deaths as suspicious, they have referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for further examination.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and support for vulnerable individuals in our communities. Let us unite in mourning for Bronson’s untimely passing and extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. May his innocent soul rest in eternal peace.
