The family of the five-year-old boy who tragically died after becoming stuck in a well has led tributes.
Yesterday, it was announced that Rayan Oram, 5, had sadly passed away after becoming trapped in the well for nearly five days. Rayan fell into the narrow opening of the deep well on Tuesday, falling 104ft (32 meters).
The incident occurred in the small northern town of Tamorot in the Chefchaouen region.
Despite Morocco's Civil Protection Directorate leading the rescue efforts, they were unable to reach young Rayan in time, and an official statement from King Mohammed VI confirmed the boy's death on Saturday evening.
Per The Independent, the Moroccan TV channel 2M revealed that King Mohammed VI had called Rayan’s parents to "express his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to all members of the family of the deceased in this painful affliction".
The king's statement adds:
"[King Mohammed VI] also expressed his appreciation for the tireless efforts made by the various authorities and public forces, and the collective activities, and for the strong solidarity and broad sympathy received by the family of the deceased, from various Moroccan groups and families, in this painful circumstance.
"In conclusion, His Majesty the King assured the family of the deceased his sympathy and unwavering care."
After learning about the death of their son, Rayan's parents received a guard of honor by brave rescuers after their son's body was recovered.
Following the tragic news, Rayan's family has also paid their respects.
Per Sky News, Rayan's aunt Atiqua Awram told local press: "My heart is aching for him, too much. My nephew, my heart aches for him. May God be with him, just like how God stood with us."
Rayan's cousin added: "I can't describe how I feel my cousin is gone, what can I say?"
Mohamed Awram, a cousin of the boy's father, said: "What can I say? I can't express my feelings. I was happy he was recovered. I can't express how I feel now."
Per The Mirror, France's President Emmanuel Macron has sent a message to Rayan's family, reading: "Tonight, I want to tell the family of little Rayan and the Moroccan people that we share their pain."
Tributes have also flooded social media overnight:
As reported by BBC News, the rescue efforts of Moroccan authorities quickly became national news - being broadcast live on television - and soon made global headlines as the days went on. The hashtag '#SaveRayan' also started to trend on social media platforms.
In an effort to keep Rayan alive, rescuers dropped down food and water from up above, as well as an oxygen mask. Cameras were also lowered down to routinely check on Rayan's well-being.
Thousands of civilians reportedly gathered at the scene to witness the rescue mission and provide support for those undertaking the efforts.
The rescue efforts were carried out by Morocco's Civil Protection Directorate, BBC News adds.
The mixture of rocky and sandy soils, combined with fears of a landslide, meant that workers feared opening the water well's narrow shaft.
Instead, bulldozers were used to forge a large trench adjacent to the well, allowing rescuers to dig horizontally in an effort to reach Rayan.
Our thoughts go out to Rayan's family and friends, and anybody else affected by this tragic story.
