Josef, 9, dies in tragic accident

Football-mad Josef Kazzan, nine, died after he became tangled in a play rope attached to a tree in his garden.

His mum Rachel Cullen, 43, described how the family had been to church before returning to their home in Cleckheaton, on Sunday July 15.

The house has a huge tree-lined back garden with a play area for the children.

Full-time mum Rachel said she thought her son was with his father Ahmed, 61.

She said: “I was looking around the house for him, then I looked out of the window and saw him in the tree.”

Paramedics rushed Joe to Dewsbury Hospital, managing to start his heart again on the way. He was then transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.

Ahmed, a former mortgage and insurance service agent, said: “One of the doctors told me that there was a chance he could survive but that he could have brain damage.

“I told the doctor ‘I don’t care, I want him home. If there is a chance, do what you can’.”

Medics battled to keep Joe alive, but on Tuesday the family was told he had brain stem death.

Ahmed said: “We decided to let him go in peace.”

Rachel said: “I am just taking one hour at a time because I can’t even begin to think about life without Joe.

“Joe was a beautiful, lovely boy. He was full of life and energy and loved being around people. He would win everyone over. He loved company, he had loads of friends and was always wanting to call on his friends.

“He loved football, swimming, playing the piano. He would be reluctant at first, but then excelled at whatever he put his hand to.

“He would play football whenever he could.”

Joe was a pupil at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Birstall and played football with Drighlington Under 10s.

The team is collecting donations to the children’s ward at LGI in his memory.

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