Little Viviana Maria Barel was just two years old when she choked to death on a common piece of fruit in front of her devastated family. Now, a community has rallied around her parents, who remember their little girl as a ‘gift’
A devastated father has spoken about his heartache after his two-year-old daughter choked on a common piece of fruit.
Little Viviana Maria Barel had been eating with her two siblings at their family home in Revine Lago, northern Italy, when she choked on a cherry. Sadly, despite desperate efforts to save the child, Viviana suffocated to death.
The tragedy unfolded at approximately 10 pm on the evening of Saturday, June 14.
Grief-stricken dad Renato Barel told local media that a nurse living in the same apartment building had attempted to clear the blockage using the Heimlich manoeuvre.
Medics arrived quickly at the scene after an ambulance was called and began preparing to intubate Viviana and carry her into the ambulance.
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Before they could rush the toddler to the hospital, however, it became clear it was already too late. Vivana had died from a lack of oxygen. Remembering his beloved daughter, Dad Renato shared: “She was a happy and lively child.”
Police are reportedly now investigating Viviana’s death. The little girl’s funeral was held yesterday (June 18) at 3:30 pm, at the church of San Matteo, in Revine.
Italian publication Il Gazzettino reported that the “entire town stopped this afternoon to say goodbye” as Viviana’s “small white coffin” was carried into the church, almost exactly one year on from the day of her baptism.
Those who watched on struggled to hold back tears, while silence descended over Revine Lago, where bars and shops were closed to the public as part of an official day of mourning declared by Mayor Massimo Magagnin.
The mayor stated: “Our entire community gathers around the family in this moment of immense sadness.”
Parish priest, Don Angelino Granziera, who presided over the service, paid tribute to “a little girl who radiated happiness”. Addressing mourners, which included Viviana’s parents and siblings, he said: “Viviana is now in the safe hands of the Lord, ready to welcome a life to make it flourish in eternity.
“Her short earthly journey entrusts us with an important treasure. Her great joy, her ever-ready smiles, the beauty of her face will continue to live”.
After the funeral service concluded, Viviana’s coffin was taken for cremation. Her moving epigraph read: “You were a gift to all of us. The love you lit in our hearts will never be extinguished.”
The same publication previously reported how Viviana’s heartbroken parents had waited until morning before breaking the terrible news to her two older sisters, aged just six and nine years old.
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