Watford boy, 5, dies in tragic accident - parents pay touching tribute

Saleh Aslam was playing Spider-Man at the property in Coates Way, near Garston, when a ladder radiator he tried to climb came away from the wall and hit his head.

Emergency services rushed to save him but he passed away that day (October 28).

Saleh Aslam, 5, died after a tragic accident at home in Watford. (Image: Mohammad Aslam) Over 300 people from all walks of life attended the funeral in North Watford on Saturday (November 2), following which Saleh’s mother Bibi Khadija and father Mohammad Aslam gave touching tributes.

Mohammad told the Watford Observer: “He was the most beloved son to me, I have four children but he was the most beloved one, the most naughty one, the most attractive one.

“He won our hearts by his little actions, by being very caring, very kind, very humble, a very proud kid. He was very proud to be a Muslim, very proud to be British, very proud of belonging to Watford.”

Saleh with his mother Bibi and father Mohammad. (Image: Mohammad Aslam) The family were touched by an outpouring of support from the community, as well-wishers from far and wide paid respects at the funeral.

Mohammad continued: “I’m so overwhelmed that he united every single person in this community, and everybody mourned and grieved with us, they were all there in the mosque, through his funeral, hugging us, kissing us, loving us.

“All telling us how much Saleh was loved and cared for, and also how kind he was.”

Saleh would make friends with anyone, his mother said. (Image: Mohammad Aslam) Saleh went to The Orchard Primary School in Gammons Lane, and when his mother Bibi visited this week she was met with teachers and pupils crying for her son.

The confident five-year-old would make friends with anyone, she said, be it older pupils, the lollipop lady or the school caretaker.

Bibi, 40, added he was “a very, very lively and happy child, he would take the heart of anyone, would stand up with strangers and speak confidently, and was a very lovely child.

“He was my youngest – of course he has my heart and I can never forget him.”

Saleh with his sister. (Image: Mohammad Aslam) Mohammad and Bibi were also keen to warn parents about the dangers of children getting carried away believing cartoon characters are real and then putting themselves in danger while playing.

Bibi said someone at the funeral told her of a similar incident involving a child in London, which saw them “try to jump like Spider-Man” out of a window and tragically die.

The pair urged all adults to impress upon kids how the cartoon world is not real, ensure they know not to try and replicate what they see, and be wary of what shows they are allowed to watch.

Saleh was described as very caring, kind and humble. (Image: Mohammad Aslam) “I don’t know how I’m going to survive without him, though his memories are in my heart,” Mohammad said. “Those touches, those smiles, those feelings.

“This is the worst thing that could happen to any parent – that a child of such a young age be taken away so quickly and in a very tragic manner.”

The news sparked a huge response online with numerous residents voicing sadness and sending condolences to the family.

"This is heartbreaking, thinking of the family and friends," one wrote, while another added: "Very sad news. He was always running around as Spider-Man. Thoughts are with his family."

Saleh with his family. (Image: Mohammad Aslam) "He was such an innocent soul and handsome child," one well-wisher added. "May Allah bless him and give sabr (steadfastness in adversity) to his family, it was a big shock. He will always be remembered Saleh Aslam, we really miss you."

Another person wrote: "So heartbreaking for the family and also the whole school community to lose a lovely boy like him so tragically. Lots of strength and prayers to the family."

The Orchard Primary School's headteacher, Jonny Spector, said: "Saleh was a delightful and kind child who was much loved by his friends and staff and he will be greatly missed."