Goodbye to dear Baby Alex (2011 — 2014)

The Record was informed early on Thursday morning 27 March that Alex Stephens (2), more commonly known as Baby Alex, tragically passed away during the morning hours.

Family friend and fundraiser for the boy, Marie Blignaut told the Record that he had succumbed to pneumonia at 12.40am on Thursday morning after being rushed to hospital.

“He was two years, eight months and 12 days old,” said a mourning Blignaut, telling the Record that he was born on 15 July 2011.

After a near-drowning incident in the family’s swimming pool in 2012, Baby Alex had to be resuscitated three times after which he was blind, his arms and legs were deformed and he was mentally impaired. Later he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Since the incident, Blignaut and other caring individuals organised fundraising events to cover his medical expenses and buy special equipment for his everyday needs. A Record journalist was a guest at two of these fundraisers, both held at West Ridge High School during 2013.

Blignaut previously described him as “a miracle” to the Record. Her efforts and the efforts of other residents made Baby Alex a special case for whom an entire community got together, sympathising with the family and supporting his cause.

“He was special to all of us, and from my side and the family’s side we would like to thank everyone who got involved with his case.

“Thank you to the family, friends and companies that contributed to his care and comforted and supported the family both financially and emotionally during such difficult times.”

Baby Alex is survived by his sister Nakita (13) and his parents Allen and Christelle Stephens.