Lollipop chokes toddler to death

November 11, 2009 by Baby Chums
Filed under: Baby Health, News, Product News

Francis Dean, a two-year-old toddler choked to death after a lollipop came off its stick and became lodged in his throat, this happened in front of his horrified family.

The lollipop was innocently given as a treat after his dinner.

Michael, his 13-year-old brother, seeing he was in distress grabbed the end of the lollipop stick and tried to pull it out of young Francis’ mouth, but the stick came away in his hand.

Family and friends tried to save Francis and called an ambulance, but he passed away before reaching hospital.

Today his devastated family, from Manchester, were readying to bury Francis.

Father David and mother Dawn are now warning other parents of small children to exercise caution with lollies and are urging the manufacturers Swizzels Matlow to make the warnings on sweets clearer.

Mrs Dean, who was away at a conference when the tragic and fatal incident happened, said: “We’re absolutely devastated. It feels like a nightmare.

“He often had a treat - a lolly or ice cream - after his tea.

“His dad asked him what he wanted and he asked for “a pop”. It had been in his mouth less than 30 seconds when his brother Michael saw he was in distress.

“He went to help and the stick came away in his hand.’

Although the multi-pack did carry a warning not to be given to children under 36 months, the cellophane wrapper on the actual lollipop does not carry any warning.

This is the second tragedy to hit the family. Dawn and David’s niece, Claire Burns, 21, drowned off the coast of Blackpool just last year.

Mrs Dean said: “We want to thank everyone, all our lovely friends and family and neighbors, for their comforting words and everything they’ve done for him and us.

“Staff at the Children’s Hospital tried their best. They were wonderful but they couldn’t help him.”

Swizzels Matlow, the lollipop manufacturer based in Derbyshire, said it would investigate the tragedy.

The family are asking for donations to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in their son Francis Dean’s name.