The parents of three-year-old Noah Woods have paid an emotional tribute to their “sweetest and most innocent little boy” after his body was found in Decoy Pond following a major search in Suffolk.
Noah’s father, Rhys Woods, released a statement on behalf of the family, describing their heartbreak and thanking the hundreds of people and emergency service personnel who helped search for their son.
He said: “There are no words to describe the pain of this loss, we are all absolutely heartbroken.
“Noah was the sweetest and most innocent little boy, with nothing but love to give, and we are going to miss him so very much.”
‘You have all taken Noah into your own hearts’
Mr Woods said the family’s little boy had touched people across the country as news of his disappearance spread.
He said: “It seems he has made an impact across the whole nation, you have all taken Noah into your own hearts.
“With all the overwhelming help, we were all just trying to bring him home to us safe and sound.”
The family thanked everyone who joined the search, including police forces, HM Coastguard, Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue, fire and ambulance services, community organisations, businesses, churches and private search teams.
They also thanked members of the public who gave up their time to help.
“The compassion shown by all of you will never be forgotten by us, and brought us comfort and strength at the darkest time of our lives,” Mr Woods said.
Family had hoped Noah was ‘hiding somewhere’
The family described how they had clung to the hope that Noah would be found safe.
Mr Woods said: “This was the most heartbreaking outcome for us.
“We were just hoping that he would be hiding somewhere obvious where someone could find him, that’s what we kept telling ourselves the whole time.”
The tribute concluded with a deeply personal message from Noah’s parents and little brother.
They said: **“Noah, you will be loved forever, you will never be forgotten and we miss you so so much.
“It has been a privilege to be your parents and be able to have packed so much love in the short three years you were with us.”**
A fundraiser has also been established to support Noah’s family following his death.
