Bronson Battersby, 2, ‘might still have been alive’ if dad hadn’t died

The tragic death of two-year-old Bronson Battersby has left many questioning what could have been if his father had not passed away. Bronson was discovered lifeless between the legs of his father, Kenneth Battersby, on January 9 at their home. Preliminary findings from a pre-inquest revealed that there is a possibility Bronson might have survived if his father, aged 60, had not died before him.

During a review hearing, Coroner Jayne Wilkes highlighted the complex circumstances surrounding Bronson’s death. She mentioned that it is challenging to determine the exact timeline of events leading to the toddler’s passing. The coroner explained, “There has to be a likelihood that had Kenny not passed away then Bronson would still be alive.”

Bronson and his father lived together in a basement flat on Prince Alfred Avenue after Kenneth and the boy’s mother had separated. The inquest revealed that a neighbour raised concerns after not seeing Mr. Battersby for several days and noticing a strange odour emanating from their apartment. Further investigations uncovered that Kenneth Battersby’s cause of death was linked to a sudden cardiac event due to underlying heart disease.

Additionally, the post-mortem examination on Bronson indicated signs of malnourishment, with the cause of death attributed to dehydration. The young boy’s living conditions were noted, with limited food found in the fridge and food items in the freezer deemed unsuitable for Bronson. The hearing unveiled that Bronson was known to children’s services, with routine visits by social workers.

As the community grapples with this heartbreaking incident, the completion of a detailed timeline to understand the sequence of events leading to these tragic deaths remains a priority. Investigations have highlighted the need for crucial information, such as selfies taken by Bronson and financial accounts of Kenneth Battersby, to piece together the events before their passing.

The devastating loss of Bronson has deeply affected those connected to the family, with the coroner expressing condolences to Bronson’s step-sister, Melanie Battersby, who attended the hearing virtually. The full inquest into this heartbreaking tragedy is anticipated to take place in early autumn next year, shedding more light on this distressing case.

Insights and Summary:
The heartbreaking story of Bronson Battersby sheds light on the complex and tragic circumstances that led to the untimely death of a young child. The pre-inquest findings indicating a potential different outcome if his father had been alive raise questions about the support systems in place for vulnerable families. The need for thorough investigations and the quest for justice in this case serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding and protecting the most vulnerable members of society. The community’s response and the quest for answers underscore the significance of accountability and learning from such tragedies to prevent similar incidents in the future.