A community in Cork rallying around the heartbroken family of a little boy who choked to death on a piece of fruit.
Tributes are being paid to Joshua Odonkor, 2, who died on Wednesday at his home in Skibbereen.
Emergency services were called to the family home in a housing estate around 9pm, but despite their best efforts the toddler passed away.
READ MORE: Met Eireann ominous February weather update as 'passing cyclone centres’ could trigger storm chaos
It is understood Joshua was eating a grape when it became lodged in his windpipe.
The coroner was notified and arrangements were made for a postmortem at Cork University Hospital. An inquest is expected to be held later this year.
Gardai have confirmed the death is being treated as a “tragic accident”, adding: “Owing to the tragic nature of the incident no further information is available.”
Joshua's funeral is set to take place in Skibbereen today, with his grieving family and friends to say their final goodbyes.
Prayers are due to take place at 2.30pm before he's brought to his final resting place at St Patrick's Cemetery in Coronea, Cork Beo reports.
Joshua leaves behind his heartbroken parents Philomena and Moses as well as brother Emmanuel.
The loss has left a numb feeling around the Cork town and back in Ghana where his parents are originally from.
Independent councillor Karen Coakley, a former Mayor of Skibbereen, said there was a sense of “numbness” locally.
She added: “Supposedly the family moved to town over the last couple of months. It is almost sadder because if they just moved to town they don’t really have a network of support just yet or family support. Supporting them is all you can do.
“People are just so numb. A simple, simple little accident. It is just heartbreaking.”
Cllr Coakley revealed the community plans to do everything in its power to assist the bereaved family.
She said: “You don’t have to be a parent to feel this. We will do whatever we can.”
Tributes and thoughts are being paid in from all over the world, with one Cork mother saying: "Heartfelt condolences to you all on the tragic death of your beautiful son Joshua. Thinking of you at this very difficult time as is every parent in the country.
Another said: "Sincere sympathy to Joshua's heartbroken parents and his brother on the very sad passing of your beautiful little boy. May His Gentle Soul Rest in Peace."
READ NEXT :
Dee Devlin's public display of affection as McGregor denies assault allegation
Man in his 30s dead after horror crash on Irish road as car hits wall
Dermot Bannon says the 'real side to celebs' personalities come out on his shows
HSE outlines four key steps to helping your child if they start choking after two tragedies
Met Eireann confirms dry end to week before things 'take turn' for some counties
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
