'IT'S BARBARIC': Archie Battersbee's lawyers call for 'urgent reform of the system'
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: A flower has wilted even before it had a chance to fully bloom. The shocking death of 12-year-old Archie Battersbee, who breathed his last at the Royal London Hospital at 12.15 pm on Saturday, August 6, 2022, has left his family and friends crestfallen. The boy's support group has sought an "urgent review and reform of the system" due to their heartbreaking predicament.
Archie’s family said that the death of their little boy was barbaric and they hoped "no family has to go through what we have been through." Archie's eldest brother Tom's fiancée Ella Rose Carter said, "There is absolutely nothing dignified about watching a family member or a child suffocate. We hope no family has to go through what we have been through. It's barbaric."
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The Christian Legal Center, a group that stood with Archie’s family throughout a grueling and lengthy legal dispute, too offered condolences and has called for reforms.
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said, "Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with Archie's family at this tragic moment. We will continue to support the family, as we have done throughout, ever since they came to us after being issued with last-minute legal proceedings to remove life support from Archie."
"We are thankful for the widespread public support for Archie and his family. It has been a privilege to stand alongside them. The events of the last few weeks raise many significant issues including questions about how death is defined, how those decisions are made, and the place of the family. No one wants to see other families experience what they have been through. We need to see urgent review and reform of the system," she added.
Supporters and well-wishers paid their last respects to Battersbee and placed candles and flowers outside the hospital. His family recently released his photograph to pay their tribute. In the photograph, the youngster can be seen smiling while dressed in a smart grey suit and blue bow tie.
Archie Battersbee was found in an unconscious state at his home in Southend, Essex by his mother, Hollie Dance on April 7, 2022. She that he had a ligature wrapped around his neck. It is believed Archie was taking part in an online challenge. He had been in a comatose state since that day. A life support system kept him alive, which was withdrawn by the court after experts revealed that it was for the best.
