A mother paid tribute to her 2-year-old son on Facebook last night, posting that he had 'gained angel wings'.
Little Jacob Jenkins was eating dinner with his parents at a County Durham Pizza Hut branch, when a grape became lodged in his throat.
The youngster was rushed to a Newcastle hospital on Friday evening after his heart stopped beating, and placed into an induced coma.
Heartbreakingly, he did not pull through.
Mum Abigail Wilson shared the tragic news on Facebook last night, writing:
"Me and David want to thank every single person for the support over this awful last few days. > >
"Jacob has gained his angel wings at 7pm as you all set off your balloons. > >
"There was nothing else that could be done for Jacob and as hard as it was we chose that time because we knew he would be in thousands of people's minds at that exact moment. > >
"I won't be replyin to any thing as I hope use understand but we are so grateful for the love you have shown our gorgeous Angel xxxxxxx" (sic).
Jacob's passing came as hundreds of well wishers gathered on Seaton Carew seafront, Hartlepool, to release yellow balloons in a show of support for the family.
A Pizza Hut Restaurants spokesperson relased a statement today, reading:
“We are devastated to learn of Jacob’s tragic death. Our deepest sympathy is with Jacob’s parents, Abigail and David, and his family and friends. We will be closing our Hartlepool Hut today as a sign of respect.”
Our thoughts are with Jacob's brave family.