Brit boy, 12, dies in 'tragic accident' while family is volunteering in Vietnam
Tributes have been paid to a "vibrant" British boy after he died tragically in Vietnam where his parents were volunteering at a summer camp.
Otis Walder-Robb, 12, died on Friday after what's understood to have been a tragic accident in a swimming pool.
The youngster from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, reportedly got into trouble in the pool and was pulled out by other children before being rushed to hospital, but tragically doctors were unable to save him.
The tragedy is the third for Otis' dad Stephen Walder, Yorkshire Live reports, after losing wife Cathy in 2017 and son Reuben, 10, to brain cancer in 2020.
Mr Walder had been in Vietnam teaching at the camp with partner Liz Robb, with the family's shock and grief furthered by being unable to leave the country to get back to Pai, Thailand, where they're currently living.
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At present, the couple are unable to access the money to book flights and pay for transfers, as loved ones back home and in Thailand try to support them with a fundraising page set up.
Otis died on Friday, loved ones say (Gofundme)The online appeal is to help pay for Otis' funeral, as well as other travel expenses as they face bringing him home.
The page, set up by Gemma Anjamanee Piya Tora Lewis, said Otis died suddenly "from a tragic accident", and his family were still in Vietnam awaiting financial support.
Family friend Rebecca Wegmann meanwhile said it was unclear what had happened to Otis, with police now investigating. She said four children had pulled Otis from a swimming pool with attempts made to revive him at the scene. He died later in hospital.
Writing on the fundraising page, Gemma said: "Otis Walder-Robb was 12 years old when he took his last breath at 7.57pm on 7-7-2023. We regret to share that his passing was of sudden consequence from a tragic accident. There is grief and deep sorrow amidst the family's hearts, and a growing community is in mourning.
"We wish to use all funding towards the funeral expenses and memorial of Otis, and to cover all travel and health care costs in returning him, his sister Betty, and his parents Steven and Liz, to home soil, so the family and their community can celebrate and hold ceremony for his life."
She added: "The family were temporarily visiting Vietnam due to working away at a children's summer camp. We're all desperate to get their 6-year-old daughter back to our community so she can be in a familiar environment with friends who dearly miss her." The funding page has reached nearly £13,000 and has a target of £20,000.
Friends have posted their own tributes in memory of Otis on the Go Fund Me page. One man called him an 'incredible lad' and other donor said Otis was "such a vibrant young man."
Another posted: "Fly high you amazing boy! You was so loved and so caring by many! My thoughts are with all the family and all the extended family you have made while travelling with the best people Elizabeth Robb and Stephen Walder and little Betty.
"Sending lots of hugs and love! Now you can rest and be with your brother and your mum. You were such a bright caring happy lively boy!"
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