Updated 11.11am
A toddler who fell into a swimming pool in a private residence in Gozo has died, his family announced in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Sixteen-month-old Noah Mizzi was left in a serious condition after falling into a pool at a residence on Triq Ġnien Imrik in Xagħra earlier this month.
In a Facebook post, the boy’s mother Joanna Mizzi paid tribute to her “lovely lovely lovely little boy”, who she said had died “surrounded by a tremendous amount of love, peace and faith”.
“My heart will forever be full with the happiest memories of the past almost 17 months and I pray that his name will continue to be repeated for as long as we, his closest ones, shall live.”
Noah’s father Simon Mizzi said his son had “given us so much in these months that we have been raising him. It has given us much joy, and for this we thank the Lord”.
“He left us in the greatest peace and tranquility with all of us surrounded by him… Fly up with the angels and go rest, beautiful.”
Shortly after Noah’s accident fall this month, Simon Mizzi had said his son faced an “uphill” struggle to survive.
In a Facebook post, European Parliament president Roberta Metsola said Noah’s accident and struggle had “united an entire country. Our hearts went out to him”.
“I hope that this unity will serve as a source of courage to Simon, Joanna and the entire family in this difficult moment. My thoughts are with you all.”
The toddler, found unconscious, was assisted by a medical team before being taken to Gozo General Hospital. From there, he was then transported by helicopter to Mater Dei Hospital.
Magistrate Simone Grech is leading an inquiry.