Parents mourn 16-month-old after theme park death

The parents of a young boy who died after being found unconscious at a theme park said today he gave them the "happiest 16 months of our lives".

Reece Joe Ramsay Smith was staying in a caravan at Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire when he was found unwell.

The 16-month-old, of West Denton Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, had been staying in a privately rented caravan with his parents when he was found at about 6.30am last Thursday.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics and then taken by ambulance to Scarborough Hospital where further efforts were made to revive him but he was pronounced dead.

North Yorkshire Police said the cause of death remains unexplained. The results of a post-mortem examination have not yet been made available.

A spokesman said: "As part of the police investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death, the caravan that the family had been staying in was examined and local inquiries at the site were carried out.

"Nothing suspicious was found but the cause of death remains unexplained."

Reece's parents, who do not wish to be named, issued a statement which said: "Our son, Reece Joe Ramsay Smith, was tragically taken from us on September 9 2010.

"Words cannot describe how we are feeling right now. We would give anything to have our Reecey Roo back with us.

"You gave us the happiest 16 months of our lives. We will never forget you baby, you will always be our little man. We love you to the stars and back.

"Love from Mammy, Daddy and all your family."