Social media has one simple message for the rescuers who bravely fought to save a young boy who fell down a well: "Your work was not in vain."
Yesterday, the world mourned after it was announced that five-year-old Rayan Oram had passed away after falling 104ft (32 meters) down a well in Morocco.
Occurring in the small northern town of Tamorot in the Chefchaouen region, Rayan fell down the well on Tuesday, sparking a rescue mission that gripped the nation.
For nearly five days, a team led by Morocco's Civil Protection Directorate fought tirelessly to save the young boy. Per BBC News, the mixture of rocky and sandy soils - combined with fears of a landslide - meant that workers feared opening narrow shaft of the water well.
Instead, bulldozers were used to forge a large trench adjacent to the well, allowing rescuers to dig horizontally in an effort to reach Rayan. Throughout the days, Rayan was dropped water, food, and oxygen from above, in an effort to keep him alive while the mission continued outside.
Tragically, after the boy was pulled out of the well on Saturday night, it was shortly revealed by Moroccan King Mohammed VI that he had died.
Social media was flooded with tributes to the young boy, whose story had connected people from all over the world.
However, despite the tragic end to the mission, people are also continuing to voice their support for the brave rescuers who attempted to save Rayan's life.
One Twitter user wrote: "Rest In Peace little Rayan. You will be remembered. Bless his family. Thank you to the brave rescuers. Your work was not in vain. The world saw strangers united in a common cause of hope."
A second added: "To all rescuers & to all peoples involved in this tragedy you have done us all very proud."
"I’m distraught to learn that little #Rayan has passed away. My prayers are with his family and country during this difficult time. RIP little Angel, you shall forever be remembered in our hearts. To all the rescuers who worked painstakingly to free Rayan, thank you," wrote a third.
Another Twitter user expressed their gratitude, writing: "Thank you to all the rescuers who worked to save Rayan. You did amazing work. Rest in peace little Rayan."
"My thoughts go out to the family, I am sorry for your loss," wrote another, adding: "To the rescuers, I am sorry this did not end as we hoped. Never doubt your efforts or question if you could have done something differently, you did everything you could! Truly an amazing job given the circumstances."
And the praise continued:
Our thoughts continue to go out to Rayan's family and friends, and anybody else affected by this heartbreaking story.
