Inquest opens into death of Eli Testa in Rawtenstall

Eli Testa was killed on July 5 at Rawtenstall Cemetery after the cross from the top of a gravestone fell on top of him.

Coroner Kate Bissett told the court that he received full life support at the scene and was transferred to Royal Blackburn Hospital, where his death was confirmed.

She also confirmed that, given the nature of his injuries and there being a known cause of death, he was subject to a non-invasive post-mortem, and the suspected cause of death is a traumatic head injury.

The court heard that there are no longer active police enquiries, and there was no reason to expect that he was a victim of a crime.

Eli’s inquest will be mentioned on October 9, following a review to determine if any further information is required from the Health and Safety Executive.

Ms Bissett said: “I want to pass my condolences to the family of this beautiful little boy, and I hope they are doing as well as they can be in these very difficult circumstances.”

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A fundraiser set up by his relative, Donna Miller, on GoFundMe, has raised nearly £18,000 from 776 donations.

Ms Miller said her niece, Eli’s mother, Jessica, and husband Tommy, who have two other children, lost their son due to a “freak accident”.

She added: “All donations, no matter how small, will help this young family massively and help them deal with this unexpected tragedy.”

Rossendale Borough Council, responsible for the cemetery in Rawtenstall, first established in 1877 and covering 17 acres, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery today.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this devastating time.

“Rossendale Borough Council is working with all relevant agencies to understand the circumstances of this incident.”