Ten-year-old schoolboy died when he accidentally hanged himself while playing on rope swing, inquest hears

• Lewi Sullivan, of Rassau, South Wales, was out playing with friends 

A ten-year-old schoolboy died while out playing with his friends when he accidentally hanged himself while playing on a rope swing, an inquest heard.

Lewi Sullivan was with friends when he fell from a tree while caught in the rope swing and was helped by a passerby before he could be taken to hospital.

Lewi died three days later with his provisional cause of death given as hypoxic ischemic brain injury and hypoxia hanging.

The hearing at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court was adjourned until May next year for a full inquest.

In a tribute, heartbroken dad Nigel Sullivan, 44, said his son loved ‘rugby and motorbikes’ and riding in lorries at his groundworks and plant hire business.

Lewi Sullivan, 10, of Rassau, South Wales, was out playing with his friends when he fell from a tree while caught in a rope swing

Lewi was taken to hospital where he died three days later. His provisional cause of death given as hypoxic ischemic brain injury and hypoxia hanging

Passers-by desperately tried to help Lewi, of Rassau, near Ebbw Vale, South Wales, before an air ambulance arrived to transport him to hospital on September 1.

His father, Nigel, has now paid tribute to his ‘fun, loving, caring’ son after he died at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff last Monday.

He said: ‘Lewi was a fantastic, caring and loving son. He really was every father’s dream, and we had this brilliant father and son bond.

‘I was proud to bits of him, and I know he was really proud of me, not only as a father, but also as a friend. We had a very strong friendship bond as well as being father and son and that was really special to me.’

Lewi, who lived with his dad Nigel, stepmum Louise and his two brothers, was described as ‘the best child a dad could ask for.’

His parents – including mum Falina – thanked those who tried to help their son including paramedics from the air ambulance.

Nigel said: ‘I just want to thank everyone who tried to help Lewi – the kids who were with him when it happened, and even some passers-by.

‘I know one guy tried to help him for almost 20 minutes before the ambulance arrived.

In a tribute, heartbroken dad Nigel Sullivan, 44, said his son loved ‘rugby and motorbikes’ and riding in lorries at his groundworks and plant hire business

‘The air ambulance was out of this world, the paramedics were fantastic, the police incredible. All of the professionals who helped him were incredible.

‘The staff at Noah’s Ark went above and beyond for him, and I know they did everything they could. I know he had the best care possible and that they gave him the best chance.

‘We sometimes don’t appreciate the NHS, but I am so grateful to them for all the things they did for him.’

He added: ‘Lewi was an absolute gem of a child. 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.

‘He was such a lovable kid. He was a real loveable rogue, a real character with a wicked sense of humour.’

Rhymney rugby club – where Lewi’s brother Dan played – also paid tribute.

A club spokesman 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 from Ebbw Vale.

‘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.

A Beaufort RFC spokesman said: ‘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.’

A fundraising page has been set up to raise funds for the Air Ambulance and the Noah’s Ark paediatric critical care unit at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

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