A BABY boy allegedly thrown in a river by his dad died from “immersion”, an inquest heard today.
Baby Zakari William Bennett-Eko, who was 11 months old, was thrown into the River Irwell in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, in a Moses basket, it is claimed.
His dad Zak Eko, 22, has been charged with murder after the tot passed away in hospital on September 11.
A brief inquest today heard initial post mortem results revealed Zakari died from “immersion”, MEN reports.
The hearing at North Manchester Coroners’ Court was also told bystanders raised the alarm – with cops later discovering the baby in the river.
Area coroner Catherine McKenna adjourned the hearing until a review on December 19.
Eko appeared in court last week and was remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court on December 20.
He was arrested inside the Lock Keeper pub in Radcliffe at around 4.30pm on the day of the tragedy.
Zakari’s devastated mum, Emma Blood, issued a tribute to her son last week saying her life had “changed forever”.
She said: “I woke up that morning being a mummy to the most wonderful cute little boy and by the afternoon Zakari was taken from me in the most tragic of circumstances.
“Zakari was my life for 11 months and will be the heart of our family for many years to come.
He was a cheeky little chappie with a smile that melted hearts. He was the youngest of five generations of our family and was loved beyond belief.
“Zakari wrapped everyone around his little finger. He was a happy and content baby with a gorgeous little smile and a head full of curls. Everyone that met him fell in love with him instantly.
“It’s hard to comprehend what has happened and that I will not get to see my baby grow up to be the handsome decent man I knew he would become.”
