Alfie Evans passes away leading to heartfelt tribute by beloved Everton five days after life support turned off
EVERTON have paid a heartfelt tribute to tragic Alfie Evans after the tot passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Little Alfie, just 23 months old, suffered from an incurable brain condition and died less than a week after staff at Alder Hey Children's Hospital turned off his life support machine.
Everton have now posted a touching message to the young Toffees fan.
The Toffees' official Twitter account posted: "RIP Alfie Evans. Everybody at the Club is deeply saddened by the loss of the brave young Evertonian.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Parents Tom Evans and Kate James had earlier announced the tragic news on Facebook, writing: "Our baby boy grew his wings tonight at 2:30am.
"We are heart broken. Thank you everyone for all your support."
In a separate post, Tom, 21, wrote: "My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings at 02:30... absolutely heartbroken.
'MY GLADIATOR LAY DOWN HIS SHIELD' Alfie Evans’s parents pay heartbreaking tributes to their tragic son
"I LOVE YOU MY GUY."
Staff at Alder Hey Hospital added: "We wish to express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Alfie's family at this extremely distressing time.
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"All of us feel deeply for Alfie, Kate, Tom and his whole family and our thoughts are with them.
"This has been a devastating journey for them and we would ask that their privacy and the privacy of staff at Alder Hey is respected."
Alfie was at the centre of a legal battle between Alder Hey doctors and his parents - but a court ruled against Tom and Kate and in favour of the hospital.
The story captured the hearts of the nation... with Everton Football Club no different.