'Unimaginable sorrow' over boy's death after arson attack

A six-year-old boy named Elliot English succumbed to injuries sustained in an arson attack at his home in Waterford city. The incident occurred three weeks prior, resulting in the deaths of Elliot's parents, Kim and Philip, as well as his siblings Callum, aged 12, and Jayden, who was nine at the time. Both Elliot and Jayden had heart defects; Elliot had undergone open-heart surgery at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) as a baby, while Jayden had surgery just a fortnight before his death.

The brothers frequently traveled to CHI for appointments and operations via the BUMBLEance children's ambulance. Áine Phelan, a Waterford-based paramedic who worked with BUMBLEance, expressed profound sorrow over Elliot's passing, calling it "heartbreaking" and emphasizing that he will always be remembered as "baby Elliot." During her time with BUMBLEance, Phelan fondly recalled the joy and bravery the children brought to their ambulance journeys.

Elliot and Jayden were both recognized as "heart warriors" by BUMBLEance, sharing the same chromosomal disorder and heart defects. The English family's impact on the BUMBLEance team was deeply cherished, with the organization describing them as "two heart warriors" who touched many hearts during their time with them. The family has requested that the 14-year-old girl involved in the attack, who remains in treatment at CHI, be included in prayers.

The English family also asked for respect for their dignity and right to grieve, stating that Elliot is now at peace with his parents and siblings in God's arms. Two individuals have been charged in connection with the arson attack, while four others were arrested and subsequently released without charge.