An inquest into Xielo Maruziva’s death has opened in Leicester nearly two years after he vanished in the River Soar
Kayela Smith with her son Xielo, whose inquest has just began at Leicester’s City Hall
The mum of Xielo Maruziva has spoken about her love and her grief at the first day of the inquest into her son’s death in the River Soar.
The two-year-old toddler disappeared into the water while out for a walk in Aylestone Meadows with his family in February 2024.
After extensive searches were abandoned, his body was only found and recovered months later in June that year.
Speaking at City Hall in Leicester city centre today (Monday, February 2), Kayela Smith expressed her love for her son and the grief she had felt every day since.
Kayela, of Humberstone, who had Xielo when she was 19, said: “The day he was born was the best day of my life and every day got better with him.
“He brought endless joy to all those around him and lit up any room he walked into.
“He had the biggest personality. He gave me purpose and strength.”
She described the joy at Xielo’s “funny expressions” and dances, as well as the quiet times they had together.
She said: “He was my best friend, my soul twin and my whole world. I miss all the memories we shared.”
Multiple teams were seen along the River Soar in the search for Xielo(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)
Addressing her late son directly, she added: “Above all I miss waking up to your beautiful smiling face.
“The bond we shared was truly one of a kind.
“My love for you will never fade. You always will be loved, always be missed and never forgotten.”
After Kaylela read her statement, a second statement by Xielo’s father, Bradley Maruziva, was read out on his behalf.
He described the surprise and excitement he felt when he found out Kayela was pregnant with his son.
He said: “I was so proud to be his dad. He will always remain in my heart and loved forever.
“He gave me a sense of purpose. He was a really happy baby.
“He was walking by 10 months and that meant he was everywhere. Our energies matched and he made me like a big kid again.”
He said he and his son loved being outdoors, where Xielo enjoyed climbing, running around and befriending dogs.
Xielo also loved spending time at family get-togethers. Bradley said: “He was the cheerleader of the family.
“He would get everyone clapping with him – he loved a crowd.
“He would spin around and make himself dizzy, sit down and laugh. He had an infectious giggle.
“It was never a quiet or dull moment when Xielo was with us.
“It seems so quiet now.”
The inquest, which is expected to last five days, continues.