Eight-Year-Old Joshua Hillstead Tragically Dies After Drowning in River Arrow in Alcester, Warwickshire

On July 24, 2024, a heartbreaking incident unfolded in Alcester, Warwickshire.

Eight-year-old Joshua Hillstead, from Maypole, Birmingham, tragically lost his life after being pulled from the River Arrow.

The young boy’s death resulted from complications related to drowning, according to Warwickshire Police.

At approximately 9:30 PM on Monday, emergency services were alerted to a report of a child who had fallen into the river behind Kingfisher Way.

Police, fire, and ambulance crews quickly arrived at the scene. Joshua was rescued from the water and received first aid and CPR before being transported to the hospital.

Unfortunately, despite the efforts, he passed away late on Tuesday.

Another child who was found in the water did not require further treatment and was safely returned home.

Support and Safety Warnings

Detective Inspector Heidi Twynham expressed her deep condolences to Joshua’s family, emphasizing the devastating nature of losing a child.

She highlighted the dangers posed by fast, unpredictable currents and hidden deeper sections in rivers, particularly for children and those who aren’t confident swimmers. “We urge everyone to exercise caution around our waterways,” she advised.

A spokesperson from the West Midlands Ambulance Service detailed the response, noting that three ambulances, two paramedic officers, a Hazardous Area Response Team paramedic, a community first responder, and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Car were all dispatched.

They treated two individuals at the scene: one boy in serious condition, who received trauma care before being taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and a girl who was assessed and then discharged.

Additional Tragedy

This incident follows another recent tragedy, where a 16-year-old boy drowned at Netherton Reservoir, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance around water bodies.