Footballer's brother, two, dies after distraught parents find him unresponsive in Spanish holiday villa swimming pool

By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 12:43, 22 July 2026 | Updated: 12:43, 22 July 2026 A British toddler and brother of a professional footballer has died after being found unresponsive by his parents in a swimming pool at a holiday villa in Spain. Hartley Wareham, who was 28 months old, was on holiday with family and friends when the tragedy happened at the villa where they were staying. He was the younger brother of Jayden Wareham, a footballer who plays for League Two side Exeter City.  His father is said to have pulled him out of the pool and begun CPR as neighbours called for an ambulance. An inquest, which was opened in Exeter, Devon, today heard Hartley's mother took over CPR before paramedics restored his heartbeat and he was rushed to hospital. Hartley, who was born in March 2024 and lived in Ottery St Mary, Devon, was given intensive treatment but his condition deteriorated and he died on July 3rd - five days after the incident. Area Coroner Alison Longhorn said his cause of death included immersion in water, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The inquest has been adjourned to a later date. Hartley Wareham, who was 28 months old, was on holiday with family and friends when the tragedy happened at the villa where they were staying Hartley was the younger brother of Jayden Wareham, (pictured) a footballer who plays for League Two side Exeter City In a heartbreaking tribute to Hartley, his family said: 'Our beautiful little boy, Hartley, sadly passed away at just 2 years old. In his short life, he filled our world with more love, laughter and happiness than we ever thought possible. 'Hartley's absolute favourite thing in the world was Hey Duggee, and his favourite place to be was always out in our garden, exploring, playing and smiling.  'To honour his memory, we are creating a bespoke Hey Duggee memorial bench that will sit proudly in the garden he loved so much.  'It will be a special place where we can sit close to him, remember the wonderful moments we shared, and find a little comfort on the days when missing him feels overwhelming.' They added on a fundraising page for the bench: 'Knowing that so many people loved Hartley and continue to keep his memory alive means more to us than words could ever express. 'Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our little boy.'  In a statement, Exeter City said: 'Everyone at Exeter City Football Club wishes to pass on their sincere condolences to the Wareham family following a devastating family bereavement. 'Our thoughts are with all of their family and friends. We will be supporting Jayden through this very difficult time. 'The club requests that the privacy of Jayden and his family is respected at this time.'