Family of Ethan Owens pay tribute to their '˜cheeky chap'

The nine-year-old fought for eight days following a collision with a car in the town’s Marina Way, but his injuries were too severe to recover from and the heartbreaking decision was made to turn off his life support.

Speaking on behalf of his family, Ethan’s aunt, Sarah Bradley, 31, said the youngster’s death had left his parents, Paul Owens, 36, and Lisa Cooper, 37, inconsolable.

She said: “His mam and dad have lost their son, you just can’t put yourselves in that position. They are just completely and utterly devastated.

“Every time you speak to them they just break down, it’s not right they should be burying their baby.”

Ethan, who lived with his family in Wharton Terrace, was the second youngest of seven children and Sarah said his siblings, Jordan, 20, Ryan, 18, Lauren, 15, Nicole, 13, Shola, 11, and three-year-old Kyle, are all heartbroken, but trying to be strong for their parents.

She said the Jesmond Gardens Primary School pupil made an impact wherever he went and his loss is being felt throughout the community.

Sarah, who lives in the King Oswy area, said: “He was what you would describe as a little Jack the Lad. He was a cheeky chap, but really lovable. He made everybody smile.

“He was nine going on 29, he liked to do what he wanted and thought he knew best.”

Despite their grief, Sarah said Paul and Lisa have been touched by the amount of support they have had.

She said: “Everyone has been brilliant, even strangers, the amount of people that have sent messages of support has been amazing.”

Ethan, was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital following the collision with a Range Rover at teatime on Monday, February 27, during which he suffered critical head, pelvis and spinal injuries.

Paul and Lisa kept a bedside vigil, but sadly the youngster’s condition never improved.

The night after the crash, members of the Dyke House community turned out in force at St Oswald’s Church as 1,200 candles were lit and blue balloons released, with prayers for him. Arrangements are currently being made for his funeral.