Toddler's River Soar Tragedy: Inquest Hears of Desperate Rescue Attempt
A heart-wrenching inquest has detailed the tragic events surrounding the death of a two-year-old boy who fell into the flooded River Soar in Leicester and was not recovered for several months. Xielo Maruziva plunged into the river while walking with his aunts in February 2024, sparking a prolonged search effort that lasted until the summer.
The Fateful Walk in Aylestone Meadows
On February 18, 2024, at approximately 5pm, Xielo Maruziva was walking with his two aunts in the Aylestone Meadows nature reserve near Marsden Lane in Leicester. The inquest at Leicester Coroner's Court heard that the toddler, who had recently started nursery, was a few steps ahead of his relatives when he "disappeared from view" into the river's waters.
Senior coroner Professor Catherine Mason told the jury that the River Soar was experiencing "very high" water levels and fast-flowing currents due to flooding from heavy rainfall in the preceding days. The area is a designated flood plain, but the court heard it lacks signage warning walkers of potential high water levels.
Desperate Rescue Attempt and Prolonged Search
Nicole Maruziva, one of Xielo's aunts who was accompanying him that day, gave emotional testimony describing the moment she realised her nephew had fallen into the water. "I saw Xielo on the side and he took what looked like a step but once he took that step he wasn't there anymore," she told the inquest.
Ms Maruziva immediately jumped into the river in a desperate attempt to rescue the toddler, despite not knowing how to swim. "As soon as I got in, the water was up to my chest so it was deep water and I was trying to find him with my arms but I could not feel anything in the water," she recounted.
The aunt described being quickly swept under by a current while shouting for help and trying to grab "his arm or his leg or something." She emphasised that she "just needed to get him" despite the obvious dangers.
Infrastructure Concerns and Family Testimony
The inquest heard concerning details about the bridge where the incident occurred. Jurors were told the structure had waist-height walls on each side but was not clearly signposted to indicate where the infrastructure ended, creating a potential hazard for pedestrians.
Xielo's great aunt, Memory Maruziva, who was visiting family in Leicester at the time, testified that the boy had been walking "perfectly fine" during their outing. She explained that Xielo was always kept in their eyesight, walking just "a few steps ahead of us but not very far."
The family members described how they would pick Xielo up when cyclists or dog walkers approached to ensure his safety, but were not using reins or a pushchair during the walk.
Family's Grief and Ongoing Inquest
Xielo's mother, Kayela Smith, read a poignant statement describing her son as "independent, curious and adventurous." She said: "The day he was born was the best day of my life. He had the biggest personality for such a small little boy. He was my best friend, my soul twin and my whole world."
The boy's father, Bradley Maruziva, also provided a statement expressing his profound loss: "In the time I was with him I was already so proud of him and proud to be his dad. Our energy matched and he made me like a big kid again. We all miss Xielo so much. Not a day goes by when I don't think of him."
Forensic pathologist Dr Frances Hollingbury told the jury that her opinion is Xielo died as a result of the effects of being immersed in water. The inquest, which is expected to last five days, continues to examine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident that has left a family and community devastated.
