Heartfelt tributes have poured in for 12-year-old Archie Battersbee who died surrounded by his loved ones after his life-sustaining treatment was removed.
The grieving family also shared a new photo of the youngster, showing him smiling while dressed in a grey suit.
People have been leaving flowers and lighting candles outside the Royal London Hospital where Archie received treatment.
His mother, Hollie Dance, and aunt Ella Carter confirmed to reporters that the youngster had passed away.
“It is our deepest sadness to tell you all that Archie passed at 12:15 today,” Hollie said. “Can I just say that I’m the proudest mom in the world, such a beautiful little boy, and he fought right until the very end – and I am so proud to be his mom.”
People were visibly devastated as Carter revealed Archie’s final moments.
“He was taken off all medication at 10 o’clock. His entire stats remained completely stable for two hours until they reduced ventilation,” she shared. “And then he went completely blue.
“There is absolutely nothing dignified about watching a family member or a child suffocate. No family should ever have to go through what we’ve been through, it’s barbaric.”
The family were seen breaking down in tears before leaving the area.
Archie had been in a coma since he was found unresponsive by his mother in April. He was then kept alive by a combination of medical interventions at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.
“’Archie Battersbee passed away on Saturday afternoon at The Royal London Hospital after treatment was withdrawn in line with court rulings about his best interests,” Chief medical officer at Barts Health NHS Trust Alistair Chesser said.
“Members of his family were present at the bedside and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with them at this difficult time,” he added.
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