THE HEARTBROKEN parents of a four-year-old who died in a 'freak accident' have paid tribute to their daughter.

Jessica Azadi, from Thornaby, died at home on Friday, September 9, in circumstances her parents have not yet chosen to reveal.

On Monday morning, her father Ben and mother Natasha paid tribute to their little girl and thanked those who battled to save her life.

A statement from the family said: "Our lives changed forever on Friday with no warning or signs, just a horrible freak accident.

"Jessica was our life and was the most unique person anyone had ever met.

"Her warmth, her humour and her personality lit up every room she entered within minutes.

"From her chats with local dog walkers to quizzing the postman, from her imaginative stories to her determination to be independent and her ability to soak up every last piece of detail and add the innocence of a child.

"As a family, we are heartbroken and we have lost one of the most precious gifts anyone could be given.

"As a family we will find our strength and support in each other and in our memories of Jessica.

"We are eternally grateful for having Jessica in our lives, albeit for such a short period of time.

"We are mourning the missed opportunities to see her grow and prosper into a beautiful woman but again take strength from the time we had with her.

"The support of our extended family and great friends is helping and we are appreciative of the support from Katie at James Cook University Hospital, the paramedics and the police."

  • A balloon release in tribute to Jessica will take place on Saturday, September 17 at the Harold Wilson playing fields in Thornaby, from 6pm.

Anyone attending is asked to bring along purple or Disney balloons.