Toddler dies in hospital after choking on a grape

A 2 year old toddler, Jacob Jenkins, who was in a coma after choking on a grape at Pizza Hut lost his fight for life.
The plight of the toddler touched the hearts of the people of Hartlepool so deeply the whole community met on the seafront to release yellow balloons.
Jacob was enjoying a family meal when the horrific incident happened last Friday evening at Pizza hut.


A piece of fruit became lodged in his throat prompting a frantic emergency response.
Jacob's mum Abigail Wilson told how a restaurant first aider tried to help as his dad David Jenkins rushed outside for help.
Two first aiders from the entertainment complex in Hartlepool also gave medical assistance before paramedics arrived and took Jacob to hospital in an air ambulance.
Jacob stopped breathing for around 30 minutes on Friday, while first aiders worked to remove the grape.

Jacob remained in a coma at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle as his parents Abigail Wilson and David Jenkins kept a bedside vigil, praying for their son to pull through.

His parents chose the moment the balloons were released to let him slip away, with all hope of a recovery gone.

Abigail said: “Jacob grew his angel wings at 7pm as people let off their balloons.

“We chose this time to let him go as we knew everyone would be thinking of him and have him in their thoughts.

“There was nothing we could do. Jacob died in mine and his dad’s arms with his family by his side. "We then went outside and released our own balloons.”

The restaurant remained closed until Monday.

A Pizza Hut spokesman said:“Following careful consideration and discussion with the staff involved, we have now re-opened our Hartlepool Hut.

“Our thoughts continue to be very much with Jacob and his family at this very difficult time.”

Watch the video below to know how to help your child or any child around you dislodge anything that causes an obstruction that makes them start to choke.