Mourning has gripped the local community in western Achaia as the funeral of a three-year-old boy who died after a tragic fall will be held Thursday at the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in the village of Spata.

The child lost his life after falling from a two-meter-high wall along with his 25-year-old uncle, who had taken him out for a walk. According to reports, the accident occurred when the young man hit his head on a balcony corner, lost his balance, and fell, unintentionally pulling the boy with him.

The toddler was first taken to a local health center before being transferred to a Children’s Hospital in Patras, where doctors fought to save his life for 40 minutes before he was pronounced dead.

A case file for manslaughter by negligence was filed against the uncle, who sustained minor injuries. He was released from custody after receiving medical treatment, following a prosecutor’s order. Speaking to authorities, he expressed deep remorse, saying:

“I took him out for a walk; I loved him like my own child. We were playing, and he ran ahead. I picked him up, we slipped, and we fell. I wish I had died instead.”

The boy’s parents have not requested legal prosecution against the 25-year-old, while authorities await the results of the autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.