WARNING – DISTRESSING CONTENT: Two-year-old toddler Xielo Maruziva vanished beneath the River Soar water during a family outing to Aylestone Meadows in February 2024
The mum of a two-year-old toddler said the day he was born was “the best day of my life”, after he was found dead months after disappearing in the River Soar.
Xielo Maruziva vanished beneath the water during a family outing to Aylestone Meadows in February 2024. Following the abandonment of intensive search operations, his body wasn’t discovered and retrieved until several months afterwards in June of that year.
At Leicester’s City Hall today, mum Kayela Smith conveyed her devotion to her son and the anguish she has endured daily since his passing.
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Kayela, from Humberstone, who gave birth to Xielo at 19, said: “The day he was born was the best day of my life and every day got better with him,” reports Leicestershire Live. “He brought endless joy to all those around him and lit up any room he walked into.
“He had the biggest personality. He gave me purpose and strength.” She recalled cherishing Xielo’s “funny expressions” and dance moves, alongside their peaceful moments together.
She said: “He was my best friend, my soul twin and my whole world. I miss all the memories we shared.”
Speaking directly to her late child, she continued: “Above all I miss waking up to your beautiful smiling face. The bond we shared was truly one of a kind. My love for you will never fade. You always will be loved, always be missed and never forgotten.”
A second tribute from Xielo’s dad, Bradley Maruziva, was delivered by a representative. He recalled the astonishment and joy he experienced upon learning Kayela was expecting his son.
He said: “I was so proud to be his dad. He will always remain in my heart and loved forever. He gave me a sense of purpose. He was a really happy baby.
“He was walking by 10 months and that meant he was everywhere. Our energies matched and he made me like a big kid again.”
He explained that he and his son cherished being outside, where Xielo delighted in climbing, racing about and making friends with dogs. Xielo also relished time at family gatherings.
Bradley said: “He was the cheerleader of the family. He would get everyone clapping with him – he loved a crowd.
“He would spin around and make himself dizzy, sit down and laugh. He had an infectious giggle. It was never a quiet or dull moment when Xielo was with us.
“It seems so quiet now.”
The inquest, expected to run for five days, continues.
