Tributes paid following funeral of Hartlepool youngster Ethan Owens

Wellwishers have paid tribute to little Ethan Owens after a touching funeral service was held for the tragic youngster.
Thr funeral cortege of Ethan Owens arrives at St Oswaldâ¬"s Church, Brougham Terrace, Hartlepool, on WednesdayThr funeral cortege of Ethan Owens arrives at St Oswaldâ¬"s Church, Brougham Terrace, Hartlepool, on Wednesday
Thr funeral cortege of Ethan Owens arrives at St Oswaldâ¬"s Church, Brougham Terrace, Hartlepool, on Wednesday

The Jesmond Garden Primary School pupil passed away eight days after he was knocked down by a car close to Hartlepool Marina.

He had been airlifted to James Cook University Hospital suffering from critical head, pelvis and spinal injuries after the collision in Marina Way.

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Ethan Owens
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Parents Lisa and Paul kept a bedside vigil, however, Ethan’s injuries were too severe and they were left to make the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support machine.

Hundreds of people gathered at St Oswald’s Church to pay their last respects as the nine-year-old was laid to rest.

Ethan arrived in a white horse drawn carriage and was carried into the church to the sound of Ed Sheeran’s Castles on the Hill.

Mourners dressed in his favourite colour blue headteacher Jane Loomes lead the tributes.

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Ethan Owens
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Many people took to the Hartlepool Mail’s Facebook page to share their condolences and send best wishes to Ethan’s family.

Jean Stewart write: “RIP little man fly with the angels xxx,” while Sheila Dignen said: “Fly high young man xxx,” and Katie Joyce, “Goodnight god bless xx”

Lots of those posting were thinking of the family and friends the youngster leaves behind.

Katie Osborne said: “R.I.P little man - looked a beautiful send off. Thinking of his mam & dad and all his bros & sisters! & other family and friends. Such a sad time xx,” while Greg Hildreth wrote: “Very sad, thoughts to his family and friends,” and Leah McManus commented: “RIP Ethan. Fly high little man, u are going to be missed soooo much. Thinking of u Shola Owens, Lisa Cooper, Paul and the rest of the family. Very sad.”

And Jan Bushnall simply wrote: “Sending my love to all xx”

Diane Liddle’s thoughts were with Paul and Lisa: “Rest in peace darling,” she wrote, “mammy and daddy did you proud today from where I stood. Have fun with the angels xx”