We are deeply saddened to report that 23-month-old Alfie Evans passed away early this morning.
His parents, Tom Evans and Kate James, recently lost their second appeal to bring their son from Alder Hey Children's Hospital to Rome so he could receive treatment.
Alfie was in a coma for over a year after he contracted a mystery illness. Doctors say the young boy was in a semi-vegetative state and had a degenerative neurological condition that doctors struggled to diagnose.
Alfie's father shared the tragic news about his son early this morning on Facebook.
RIP Alfie Evans.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) 28 April 2018
My deepest condolences to his parents, who fought so hard for their brave little boy. pic.twitter.com/pKfup3J7bX
"My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings at 02:30. Absolutely heartbroken. I LOVE YOU MY GUY," he wrote.
Kate opened up about the loss as well, writing on the social media platform,"Our baby boy grew his wings tonight at 2:30 am. We are heart broken. Thank you everyone for all your support."
Thousands of people have flocked to the post's comments section to impart their condolences.
"Such sad news to wake up to. Such an incredible little boy has now been taken home by angels. You were too good for this world. Now it's time to rest. Sleep sweet little man," one sympathetic supporter wrote.
"Absolutely devastated for you both," another commented, "RIP Alfie, you truly were a little fighter that stole the nation's hearts."
RIP Alfie Evans. Heart breaking news to hear this morning, My thoughts & prayers are with his parents, they did everything they could for this little man God rest his soul pic.twitter.com/lmeKMsoXQr
— Frank Bruno MBE (@frankbrunoboxer) 28 April 2018
"Words can't do justice for what you've done for your son," a Facebook user said, "Amazing parents. So sorry for your grief."
Alfie's ventilator support was removed on Monday, but at first the toddler continued to breathe by himself.
Tom spoke to reporters outside the hospital before his son's passing, Sky News reports. The father said, "It's come to a point when his mum's actually asleep next to him so she can go to sleep, she feels comfortable with him."
Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies go to Alfie's family and friends during the most tragic of times.
