Elliott Groom is being remembered as a “loving little boy” who loved hugs, kisses and his family.
Groom, who was 16 months old, died in the IWK Health Centre after a “tragic (swimming) pool incident” occurred at his family’s Beaver Bank home Sunday morning.
Halifax District RCMP public information officer Cpl. Lisa Croteau said the RCMP responded to a report of a “sudden death” at about 8:40 a.m. on Sunday. She noted it was not suspicious.
Donna Groom, Elliott’s grandmother, described her grandson as timid at first with people, but would show them an abundance of affection once he got to know them.
“He was such a loving, loving little boy,” she said. “He loved hugs and kisses … and he loved to be tickled and he loved to tickle other people.”
“We only had one birthday with him. We didn’t have him long enough."
- Donna Groom, Elliott’s grandmother
Groom said Elliott loved his family dearly. He worshipped his brothers and kissed them “all the time,” followed his father everywhere and “was just so excited” and would shriek when his family members walked into a room.
Groom said Elliott and his father shared a special song together, “Elliot Moose is on the loose,” and that Elliott would “dance, laugh and throw himself at his dad” every time he sang it.
“He loved that song,” she said, noting its lyrics will be on his plaque at the Oakridge Memorial Gardens.
He also loved his family’s German Shepherd Husky mix dog, according to Groom, and was frequently seen climbing on top of the dog to get on the couch. Elliott’s climbing knew no bounds, Groom added, as he was “just starting to climb on top of everything.”
Elliott was “was always so sticky” because he’d pick up “whatever he’d touch” and his favourite foods were chocolate milk, nano yogurt drinks, popsicles and strawberries, according to Groom.
Groom said her grandson would give people the biggest smiles.
“He had such a goofy little smile and said it was just for everybody,” she said.
Groom said her family is devastated, adding it was a “tragic (swimming) pool incident” that claimed her grandson’s life.
“It was nobody’s fault, just a horrible accident,” she said.
A GoFundMe campaign was set up for the family Tuesday to cover funeral costs, which surpassed its $7,000 goal in a day. Groom said “it was amazing” to see the community round up to support her family and that they are not asking for any more donations at this time.
Groom said Elliott will be missed “horribly.”
“We only had one birthday with him. We didn’t have him long enough,” she said.
Elliott Groom is survived by his parents, Jordan Groom and Kaitlin Casey, and his big brothers, Ethan and Emmett Groom. He is also survived by his grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins.
A candlelight vigil will be held for the boy on at 9 p.m. Thursday at 32 Ernest Ave. in Beaver Bank. Participants are encouraged to bring a candle. Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to light a candle in his memory.
