Tributes have been paid to a "kind and curious" boy who died in school after a choking incident. Oscar Roome, 10, was rushed to hospital from Kidmore End CE Primary School in Reading on Friday after struggling to swallow a piece of food at lunchtime.
Staff reacted to the incident quickly but despite their best efforts, he lost consciousness and died the following day, surrounded by his family. As reported by Wales Online, an inquest into Oscar's death is set to start today.
His heartbroken family paid tribute to him in a statement as they thanked the staff that battled to save his life. Loved ones hailed his "thirst for knowledge and understanding" as well as his "kindness and humility".
The statement read: "Our beautiful boy, Oscar, was just starting to blossom. Staff at Kidmore End, especially Mr. Heritage (Year 5), and Miss Dove (Year 6), encouraged Oscar to engage and explore. He did just that.
"In all that he did, whatever field it was, he brought an infectious curiosity, a thirst not just for knowledge but for understanding, and a desire to learn and share. Yet he retained a kindness and humility in everything he did. We, his parents, and his siblings, are heartbroken.
"We cannot thank staff and pupils at Kidmore End enough for their efforts to assist Oscar on Friday, nor indeed for their belief in Oscar’s abilities right from his first day in Foundation. Praise and thanks should also be given to the ambulance crews, police, air ambulance crew and the teams at the Royal Berkshire and John Radcliffe Hospitals for their tireless efforts and empathy.
"They are all amazing people. Oscar will always be remembered for his kindness, cheeky smile, sense of humour, and humble intelligence. We love you, Oscar."
Staff at Oscar's school also expressed their heartbreak at the pupil's death. Martina Parsons, interim executive headteacher of Kidmore End CE Primary, wrote: "We are utterly devastated to have lost Oscar. A true gentle soul, Oscar always welcomed you with a cheery good morning and asked how you were.
"He was unfailingly polite, holding the door open and responding to thanks every time with a sincere ‘you’re welcome’. He loved his family and talked about them in school regularly.
"Most recently in school he loved our day on the river and was thoroughly enjoying acting and singing in the Leavers’ Play alongside his friends and classmates.
"We have an incredibly strong school community and we will be doing our utmost to support Oscar’s family, our pupils and staff as we come to terms with what has happened together."
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