Inquest into ‘tragic’ death of toddler adjourned as investigations continue
Inquest into ‘tragic’ death of toddler adjourned as investigations continue
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Investigations into the death of a toddler will be carried out by the police, health and safety watchdog and Food Standards Agency, a coroner has said. Two-year-old Jude Gerrard died following a medical episode at the Early Learners Day Nursery in Bootle, Merseyside, on January 14.
Opening an inquest into his death at Bootle Town Hall on Wednesday, senior coroner Julie Goulding said Jude’s cause of death was still unknown. She said: “What we can’t do today is to leap to any conclusions or to do or say anything at all that might undermine the formal processes that need to take place in respect of the police, health and safety, the Food Standards Agency, the coroner’s court or any other statutory processes that need to be involved.”.
Coroner’s officer Graeme Webster told the inquest Jude was born in June 2022 to parents Rebecca Sheridan, a company receptionist, and Charlie Gerrard, a sales representative, both 28. The inquest heard the toddler was identified by Ms Sheridan, having died at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital shortly before 1.30pm on January 14.
Ms Goulding said: “The death of Jude Gerrard at just two and a half years of age is tragic. “A day at his nursery school that should have been full of fun and adventure ended catastrophically with Jude losing his young, vibrant and treasured life. “Jude’s cause of death is yet to be established by pathologists.
