A tragic loss has struck the St Helens community after six-year-old Leo Timney-Peers suddenly collapsed and died while being taken to a walk-in centre. Described by his devastated mother, Keeley Timney, as “full of life,” Leo had been unwell throughout the day, experiencing vomiting.
On Thursday, May 14, as Keeley and Leo made their way along Parr Street in the town centre, the young boy suddenly collapsed in his mother’s arms. Keeley, 20, immediately began performing CPR with the help of two passers-by—a man and a woman—who stopped to assist until paramedics arrived. Leo was rushed to Whiston Hospital, but despite urgent medical efforts, he tragically passed away later that day.
Keeley shared heartfelt memories of her son: “He was just full of life from the minute he woke up to when he went to bed. He was bouncing off the walls and just a gorgeous character. Everyone loved him; he was always smiling with the kindest heart. He was simply amazing.”
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Leo, Keeley added, was kind-hearted, outgoing, and always eager to brighten others’ days, feeling upset if anyone around him was unhappy.
To help with funeral expenses, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up by the family. Keeley expressed her grief, saying, “I am absolutely devastated. It doesn’t feel real. He was perfect and didn’t deserve this. It’s just awful.” She also praised the strangers who assisted during the emergency: “Everyone tried their best, but there was nothing anyone could do to make it better. We still don’t know why this happened.”
The fundraiser description pays tribute to Leo’s joyful spirit: “Anyone who knew him knew he was the most beautiful boy with a smile that could light up any room. He never failed to make us smile every day. We want to give Leo the send-off he deserves because he genuinely was the best.”
In an act of respect and mourning, Leo’s school, Broad Oak Primary School, closed on Friday following his passing. A St Helens Council representative stated, “We are deeply saddened by the loss and our thoughts are with the family and the entire school community.”
Merseyside Police confirmed their involvement, stating: “Emergency services attended following the collapse of a six-year-old boy on Parr Street at around 4.50 pm on May 14. CPR was administered by a passer-by until emergency responders arrived. The child was pronounced deceased at hospital. The family is being supported, and a post-mortem is ongoing to determine the cause of death.”