“HE WAS ONLY THREE… AND AN ENTIRE VILLAGE SEARCHED FOR HIM” — NOAH WOODS’ FAMILY SHARES A HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE

More than 1,300 people joined the desperate search for little Noah Woods. Now, as an inquest examines the final hours before the toddler was found at Decoy Pond, his family is asking the world to remember the happy, playful boy who brought so much love into their lives.

The disappearance of three-year-old Noah Woods brought an entire community together in hope. His family, neighbours, emergency crews and volunteers all wanted the same thing: to bring the little boy home safely.

But after an extensive search in Brantham, Suffolk, a child’s body was recovered from Decoy Pond on September 16, 2026. Police later confirmed it was Noah.

In the days that followed, his father, Rhys Woods, shared a deeply emotional tribute, describing his son as the sweetest and most innocent little boy, with nothing but love to give.

Now, details heard at an inquest have shed further light on the events surrounding Noah’s disappearance.

A normal afternoon that changed everything

Noah had been visiting a playground on Merriam Close with a relative on September 15 when he became separated from them.

At an inquest opening on September 25, investigators said CCTV showed Noah playing in the area before he left through a gap in a fence and passed through an open gate towards a nearby memorial garden.

He then headed in the direction of Decoy Pond. His relative tried to follow him, but after some distance, Noah was no longer visible.

Police were contacted, and a large-scale search began.

Noah was non-verbal, had partial hearing loss and was undergoing an assessment for autism. These circumstances added to the urgency of efforts to locate him.

More than 1,300 people came together

The search brought an extraordinary response from the local community and emergency services.

Around 1,300 members of the public joined efforts to look for Noah, supported by police search teams, coastguard personnel, fire and rescue crews, specialist divers and other agencies.

Volunteers searched surrounding woodland, fields and paths while residents helped coordinate support and provide refreshments.

People travelled from beyond the village to assist, united by the hope that Noah would be found safe.

When specialist divers recovered a child’s body from Decoy Pond the following afternoon, the community’s hope gave way to profound sadness.

Suffolk Police said Noah’s death was not being treated as suspicious, although enquiries remained ongoing.

“He was the sweetest and most innocent little boy”

For Noah’s parents, Charlie Peck and Rhys Woods, the loss was impossible to put into words.

In their statement, the family remembered a happy, cheeky and playful little boy who loved to laugh and giggle and brought joy wherever he went.

They also spoke about Noah’s progress as he learned new words and began finding his voice. His family said that the sound of his voice was something they would carry in their hearts forever.

Noah shared an especially close bond with his baby brother. His relatives described how he loved spending time with him, entertaining him and making him laugh.

The family also thanked everyone who helped search for Noah and offered support during their darkest hours.

His father said the compassion shown by the community had brought the family comfort and strength when they needed it most.

An inquest seeks to establish the circumstances

At the opening of the inquest, investigators outlined the last known movements of the toddler and the search that followed.

Noah was found approximately five metres from the bank of Decoy Pond, among submerged tree roots. The water was estimated to be around 1.8 metres deep at that location.

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed. At the hearing, the medical cause of death remained pending further investigation.

The proceedings are intended to examine the circumstances surrounding Noah’s death. His family has asked for privacy as they continue to grieve.

A little boy who will not be forgotten

Noah’s story has touched people far beyond Suffolk. Tributes came from local residents, football supporters and members of the wider community.

Ipswich Town Football Club also paid tribute, with members of the football community showing their support for Noah’s family.

Yet, for those closest to him, the most important thing is not the scale of the search or the attention his story received. It is the little boy they loved — his laughter, his growing voice, his playful personality and the special bond he shared with his younger brother.

His parents have urged people to cherish their children and never take precious moments together for granted.

Noah was only three years old, with so much still to discover. Although his family’s grief cannot be eased by words, their hope is that he will be remembered for the happiness and love he brought into their world.

Forever loved, little Noah. Never forgotten.