A minute’s silence in memory of an eight-year-old boy who drowned in Wolverhampton took place at his former school today where news of his death was broken to pupils.
Tributes to tragic Suraj Mall were paid at Villiers Primary School in Bilston by the school’s headteacher Sally Lanni, who described him as a “lively character” with lots of personality who always had a smile on his face.
More than 600 pupils and teachers were led in prayer by Rev Chris Thorpe of St Leonard’s Church and plans were revealed for a memorial tree to be planted in the school grounds.
The youngster, of Pembroke Avenue, Priestfield, died at Wolverhampton Swimming & Fitness Centre in Wednesfield on February 10 during a family outing after getting into difficulties in the leisure pool.
Staff at the Prouds Lane school held the special assembly on their first morning back after the half-term holiday.
Mrs Lanni said: “This is tragic news and the whole school community is devastated.
“Suraj was a popular member of his class and enjoyed all aspects of school life. He was an extremely pleasant and helpful boy who particularly liked being praised.
“Ge had a lively character with lots of personality and always had a smile on his face. He was especially good at science and maths but enjoyed all of his lessons. Suraj will be missed by everybody.”
Mrs Lanni offered condolences to Suraj’s family on behalf of the school.
Paramedics and lifeguards tried to save Suraj but he was pronounced dead after being taken to New Cross Hospital on Sunday evening.
The Health & Safety executive and police are investigating and an inquest was opened at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Suraj’s mother Lajli Kaur, a 31-year-old postal worker, and his father Nirmal Mall, 40, a landscape gardener, released a moving tribute.
They described their son as “mummy’s sunshine and daddy’s little helper” and paid tribute to a “very active, bright and intelligent boy who particularly enjoyed reading.”
8 Comments
i went to school with Suraj,and even though i was a few years older than him,he always was kind and polite to me and everyone around him.
he is a major loss to everyone at school,we will always remember him.
R.I.P Suraj
i’m a pupil of villiers primary and we are all very sad of suraj’s death. He was only 8 years old and did no harm to others. I remember talking to him but i’m afraid i won’t be able to again.:( May his sprit rest. by selina kaur years 6 villiers
sympathy to suraj,s family he looked like a nice boy
May this young lad rest in peace and forever with the eternal father. So sorry your life had to end at such a young age. Hope you shine in the heavens like the stars and watch over your family and friends.
I was a student at Villiers Primay School on Prouds Lane Bilston over 3 and a half decades ago, now living in California USA. A good school.
hiya, i know a couple of members of his family form church, he looks like a really nice, bright, clever child it was such a shame that he had to die, at such a young age too. R.I.P Suraj.
Im a pupi from Villiers Primary School and we all are very sad because of Suraj`s death.
I new Suraj and his sister Simran cuz shes in yr 6 too but I just cant believe a pool could take his life and plus hes only 8 but I surpose life isnt fair.
We are now planting a tree in favour of him and we had a special service to remember Suraj on Monday 18Th February and we lit a special candle for him on Monday and its still burning now.
I feel sorry for the Mall family and I hope they will still have a good life even tho Suraj has passed away.
RIP Suraj xxxxx
We will always remember you !
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
i heard about this from my mother 4 days after this tragic happened! i was in tears because i am too a mother!
yesterday i was told it was from my far relation! owww my god shocked!
god bless you little soraj! you will be missed! my heart goes out to all the family!
I am very sorry to hear about the tradic experience you are going through. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AT A TIME LIKE THIS.. RIP Suraj