An eight-year-old boy hanged himself in a "freak" accident while playing on a swing, an inquest has heard.
Harry Rowse was playing on a make-shift rope swing in the family garden when it became entangled around his neck.
He was found by his stepfather John Kelly, who had left the boy to play in the garden at his home in Carcroft, Doncaster, while he got ready for work.
Coroner Fred Curtis recorded a verdict of accidental death at Doncaster Coroner's Court.
The inquest heard how Harry would often play on the swing, which was attached to a tree, before going to school in the morning.
"He was a typical eight-year-old boy, full of life. He was an intelligent little man, doing well at school"
Mr Kelly told the hearing how he came across the stricken boy on 10 July.
He lifted Harry to free him from the rope and tried to resuscitate him while waiting for the emergency services to arrive.
The boy was taken to hospital, but died four days later from a lack of oxygen to the brain.
The court was told Harry was a happy youngster who was loved at home and enjoying school.
'Callous rumours'
There was no evidence to suggest he wanted to take his own life, the hearing was told.
The coroner said a "freak combination of circumstances" had resulted in the rope becoming entangled around the youngster's neck.
After the inquest, Harry's mother Diane Kelly paid tribute to her son and said a part of her had died when he was killed.
She said: "He was a typical eight-year-old boy, full of life. He was an intelligent little man, doing well at school."
She said the family had recently returned from a holiday to Egypt and her son was looking forward to his next trip to Rio de Janeiro.
Mrs Kelly said she wanted to end the "callous and malicious" rumours circulating after his death that her son was unhappy.
"It was a one in a million tragic accident," she added.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~29~RS~)