Final farewell to balcony fall boy

12 April 2012

The mother of a six-year-old boy who died after plunging from a hotel balcony with his father blew her "happy little chap" a poignant last kiss goodbye as he was laid to rest.

Liam Hogan was killed when he fell 50ft from a fourth-floor balcony during a family holiday in Crete, Greece.

He and his two-year-old sister Mia were allegedly being held by their father John when he fell from the building on August 15. Liam died after suffering massive head injuries in the fall, but Mia survived after breaking her arm.

Mr Hogan, 32, from Bristol, who sustained a broken arm, leg and chest injuries, remains in hospital on the island and is expected to be charged with Liam's murder.

Hundreds of mourners gathered to remember Liam during an emotional service at the Holy Trinity Church, in Bradley Stoke, Bristol, a short distance from the Hogans' family home.

Liam's body arrived in a hearse surrounded by floral tributes. He was then carried into the modern building in a small white coffin, covered in white roses and sunflowers.

The Rev George Nuttall, one of the two ministers conducting the service, described Liam as a "loving" child and also insisted John Hogan had been "an excellent dad" to his son.

"Not a day would go by without him (Liam) telling his mum, Natasha, that he loved her," he told the congregation.

"He loved his little sister, Mia, always hugging and kissing her, being very protective. They would often sit cuddling on the sofa together to watch their favourite TV programme."

Earlier Mrs Hogan, a nurse, released a statement, paying an emotional tribute to her son. She said: "I will always remember Liam as a happy little chap."

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