Tragedy as young footballer, 9, dies on way home from family holiday in Tenerife

A family have told of their heartbreak after a young boy died on the way home from holiday.

Freddie Pritchard passed away on Saturday, September 14, when he was on his way home from a trip to Tenerife, reports WalesOnline. He was just nine years old.

The youngster, from Wrexham, was an avid football fan. He supported his hometown club Wrexham AFC and Liverpool. He also played for local club Gresford Athletic, who he had been with since he was aged six.

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A fundraiser has been organised to raise money towards the cost of Freddie's funeral, with donations also being given to the Cheshire Ambulance Service, the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Alder Hey Snowdrop suite. It has already raised more than £5,000.

Freddie's aunt, Jessica Tomlinson, speaking on behalf of the family, said: "He was the biggest character, and was so funny - he was always having a laugh. Everybody that met Freddie instantly fell in love with his cheeky smile and mischievous ways. He was the biggest character I'll ever meet and nothing will be the same without him. Freddie was the kindest little boy and had so many friends.

"What happened was very, very unexpected. He did not fall ill or anything like that. We have no answers and as of yet we don't have a clue as to what happened. Fred was the best uncle, his brother had a baby, and he idolised Arabella who was his little niece. He learnt how to swim on his holiday, and was so proud of himself, and taught his mum how to swim too.

"Freddie had such a close relationship with all of his cousins who were more like brothers/sisters as they spent nearly every day together and were so close in age. All of the kids are going to miss him so much.