A tragic incident unfolded when a five-year-old boy, described as “loving,” lost his life while swimming in a pool during a family holiday in Greece. Theo Treharne-Jones, a resident of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, was vacationing with his family at the Atlantica Holiday Village on the island of Kos in June 2019 when he was discovered in an outdoor pool at the resort.
An inquest held at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court revealed that the family had revisited the holiday village after a nine-month hiatus. Theo, who had Smith-Magenis syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, and was nonverbal, was eagerly anticipating their return.
During this visit, the family was allocated accommodation in a different area of the complex, where the door locking mechanisms were unfamiliar. Theo’s mother, Nina Treharne, expressed concerns about the door lacking a chain for security. To prevent the door from opening, the family resorted to using their luggage and strollers as a makeshift barricade, believing they would be alerted by any disturbance.
On the morning of June 15, Nina woke up to find the room’s door slightly open, and she heard a woman alerting others that a child was in the pool. Despite their efforts to rescue Theo and administer CPR with the help of resort staff and fellow holidaymakers, the young boy could not be saved and passed away upon arrival at the hospital.
In an emotional testimony at the inquest, Mr. Jones, Theo’s father, fondly remembered his son as “loving, affectionate, happy, and possessing an infectious laugh and smile.” The heart-wrenching proceedings continue as the family seeks closure and understanding in the wake of this devastating loss.