Sheffield couple shattered by death of baby boy on Christmas Eve

Tom Houghton and Carly Bonaito’s beautiful boy Louie died after being found unresponsive in his cot at about 8am on December 24.

The infant, who gave the devastated Woodhouse pair 'unimaginable joy’ during lockdown following his June birth, was discovered by mum Carly as she went to feed him.

Friend Rheannon Sheeran, 27, told how Carly had settled baby Louie after he began crying at about 6.30am.

However when she later went to feed him the tot could not be woken.

Inconsolable partner Tom - who was in bed at the time after working a night shift as an ambulance driver - started CPR on Louie straight away.

Paramedics continued to try and resuscitate the child as they rushed him to Sheffield Children’s Hospital - however he was sadly later pronounced dead.

Nurse Rheannon told how Tom, 28, and Carly, 24, were ‘trying to keep it together’ for their three children, Macey, 4, Alfie, 3, and George, 1.

She described how Alfie had asked to keep his curtains open every night since Louie’s death so he could ‘see him in the sky’.

Rheannon said: “They tried to do as best they could on Christmas Day but Tom was inconsolable at times - he was just crying his eyes out.

“When it actually hit Carly she was shaking uncontrollably and vomiting.

“They have a good support network and they’re handling it well, considering what they’re going through.

“But for this to happen at Christmas just makes it a lot worse - it’s going to ruin Christmas for the rest of their lives.”

‘Adorable’ baby boy Louie was born at Royal Hallamshire Hospital on June 3, 2020.

Rheannon described Louie - who was ‘obsessed’ with YouTube character Dancing Pineapple - as a ‘sweet, contented baby’.

She said: “He had definitely found his little voice box and was just making the most incredible little sounds - he was absolutely perfect.”

Rheannon has started an online fundraising campaign to support Tom and Carly as they grieve for their lost boy.

You can make a donation HERE.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.