Family mourns 'little warrior' after sudden death

“His absence has left an unimaginable void in our family, one that can never be filled."

A family is in mourning after a five-year-old boy suddenly passed away in his sleep.

Little Cruz died on May 11 from sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC), a condition similar to SIDS.

As the name implies, there is generally no explanation for the child’s untimely death.

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PerthNow reports the Red Nose Foundation says SUDC is extremely rare, only occurring once for every 100,000 toddlers in the United States.

The heartbroken family said Cruz went to sleep as normal with no prior illnesses or injuries.

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“For your child to be here one moment and gone the next is a parent’s worst nightmare that no-one should have to endure,” a family member wrote online.

The family has started a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs for the little boy.

“He was a warrior who filled our lives with joy and laughter,” a family member wrote.

“His absence has left an unimaginable void in our family, one that can never be filled."

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Cruz passed away on May 11 from a condition similar to SIDS called sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC). Picture: GoFundMe

“I cannot bear to see my family silently struggling through this pain"

PerthNow reports the family now faces the “harsh reality” Cruz’s death has brought upon them.

“Giving Cruz the farewell he deserves has come with a financial burden,” they wrote.

“Cruz’s parents are not only navigating the overwhelming pain of losing their boy, but they are also caring for their two other children while my brother has been unable to return back to work due to their loss.

“I cannot bear to see my family silently struggling through this pain.”

The family hopes any money raised will provide some “comfort and relief” while they mourn.

“Your kind and compassionate gesture will make a world of difference,” they wrote.

Originally published as Family mourns 'little warrior' after sudden death