The devastated parents of a “fun-loving” eight-year-old Watford fan have paid tribute to him after he died three days after testing positive for Covid-19.

Watford FC fan Jasper Bryan Cook, from Birkenshaw, West Yorkshire, came home from school on January 17 feeling unwell and tested positive for Covid the next day.

Within days his health deteriorated and as soon as he experienced breathing problems, he was rushed to Bradford Royal Infirmary on January 21, where he died.

His heartbroken mum Kim said there were “no warning signs” that the fit and healthy child would have been at risk of being severely affected by catching the virus.

 

Jasper Bryan Cook had breathing problems days after feeling ill and testing positive for Covid. Credit: SWNS

Jasper Bryan Cook had breathing problems days after feeling ill and testing positive for Covid. Credit: SWNS

 

The family is now waiting for the full coroner’s report to see what the determined cause of death was – as his parents hope that the report will provide answers as to why their boy died so suddenly.

The mother said: “He was funny, cheeky, all he wanted was cuddles. He loved snuggles. He was a Lego fanatic.

“He was a big supporter of Formula 1 and Lewis Hamilton, we spent lots of time snuggled on the sofa watching F1 and also Watford FC due to Granpa being a lifelong supporter.”

She added: “Everybody said his smile lit up the room, he was gorgeous. It’s devastating.”

 

A memorial will be placed at Jaspers school, following his death. Credit: SWNS

A memorial will be placed at Jasper's school, following his death. Credit: SWNS

 

His father, Ian, said “there’s a huge Jasper-shaped hole” in his life.

Jasper’s school in Yorkshire plans to build a well-being garden in his memory, as his parents hope to raise money to fund the memorial and donate to relevant charities once they know more about what caused their son’s death.

To donate, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-jasper-bryan-cook