Schoolboy dies in freak rope swing accident while playing with friends

05 September 2023 , 23:15

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Lewi Sullivan was killed in an accident (Image: Nigel Sullivan)

The devastated family of a “fun loving and crazy boy” killed when he fell from a rope swing have paid tribute to their son.

Lewi Sullivan had been out with his friends when the accident happened last week. His friends called for help and members of the public stepped in to do their best for Lewi, but he died on Monday - four days after the incident.

His father, Nigel, thanked the professional services who came to his son’s aid as well as the members of the public who stopped to help. He described his son as an “absolute gem of a child”.

Lewi loved rugby and was a proud member of Beaufort (Nigel Sullivan)

Lewis with his father, Nigel (Nigel Sullivan)

He told WalesOnline : “He was such a lovable kid. He was a real loveable rogue, a real character with a wicked sense of humour.

“He loved his rugby and motorbikes and he loved being in lorries and machines with me. He was loved by all around here and he would stop and speak to anybody."

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"I'd also like to thank the members of the public who did their best to give Lewi a fighting chance."

Friends and family have rallied round the popular family and set up a fundraising page which will be split between the Air Ambulance and the Noah's Ark paediatric critical care unit at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Rhymney rugby club - where Lewi's brother Dan played - paid tribute to Lewi and said: "All at the Brewers will be shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic loss suffered by the family of former Rhymney RFC player Dan Sullivan.

“Dan, who played several years with our minis, juniors and youth, has lost his young brother Lewi in a dreadful innocent accident, while out playing. Sincere sympathy to father Nigel, well known too at the Park, to Dan and all the family. RIP Lewi."

Nigel said Lewi was "proud" to be part of Beaufort rugby club and the team posted on their Facebook page: "As a club, we are truly devastated by the passing of one of our mini bulls Lewi. You were the funniest and most out going little lad who loved playing rugby for Beaufort RFC. You will sadly be missed by many."

Antony Clements-Thrower