NOAH WOODS’ FAMILY SPEAKS OF THEIR HEARTBREAK AS INQUEST EXAMINES THE TRAGIC DEATH OF THREE-YEAR-OLD

BRANTHAM, SUFFOLK — The family of three-year-old Noah Woods has shared an emotional tribute to the little boy whose death devastated a community and prompted an extensive search involving police, emergency services and around 1,300 members of the public.

Noah went missing on the afternoon of September 15, 2026, after visiting a playground in Brantham, Suffolk, with a relative. A large-scale search was launched when he could no longer be located.

The following day, specialist police divers recovered a child’s body from Decoy Pond. The child was subsequently identified as Noah.

Inquest Hears How Noah Left the Playground

At an inquest opening on September 25, the court heard that CCTV footage showed Noah playing with his relative at an under-fives play area.

According to evidence presented by Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick, Noah left the play area through a gap in the fence and continued through an open gate leading to a memorial garden.

His relative was following closely behind and called after him. However, after approximately 200 metres, Noah could no longer be seen.

Police were contacted, and a major search operation began. Officers were joined by specialist search teams, emergency services and volunteers from the surrounding area.

A Metropolitan Police dive team later found Noah in Decoy Pond, approximately five metres from the bank and among submerged tree roots.

The inquest was opened and adjourned while further enquiries continued. Police said Noah’s death was not being treated as suspicious.

A Family Remembers a Happy, Affectionate Child

In a tribute released through Suffolk Constabulary, Noah’s family described him as a “happy, cheeky, playful three-year-old boy” who loved laughing and brought joy to those around him.

They said he lived with his parents and baby brother, whom he adored. The family recalled how Noah loved hugs, kisses and spending time with his younger sibling.

Noah was being assessed for autism, although he had not received a diagnosis. He also had mild hearing loss and speech delays. Despite these challenges, his family said he was learning new words and making progress.

His mother, Charlie Peck, asked people to cherish time with their own children and never take precious memories for granted.

The family also thanked the emergency services, volunteers, friends and members of the public who had supported them during the search and in the days that followed.

Unverified Claims Should Not Overshadow the Facts

Following Noah’s death, sensational claims circulated online suggesting that an ex-wife had made allegations about his father. However, reliable reporting of the inquest has not substantiated those claims.

Authorities have not publicly announced evidence supporting allegations of misconduct by Noah’s father in connection with the child’s death. Police have said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

It is important to distinguish verified court evidence from speculation circulating on social media, particularly when claims involve a grieving family.

A Community United in Grief

The search for Noah brought an extraordinary response from people across Suffolk and beyond. Approximately 1,300 members of the public joined the effort, while emergency responders and specialist teams worked to locate the missing child.

Although the search ended in tragedy, the family expressed gratitude for the compassion and support they received.

For those who loved Noah, his memory is defined by far more than the circumstances of his death. They want him remembered as the affectionate little boy who loved to play, giggle, explore and make his baby brother laugh.

As the inquest process continues, the family’s message remains one of love, remembrance and a plea for privacy.

Noah was just three years old. His family hopes that the joy he brought to others will remain at the heart of how he is remembered.