Authorities have confirmed that a 5-year-old boy who was trapped in a well 100 feet underground has died.
Tributes have been paid to Rayan Awram following a 5-day battle to save the child.
Rayan had fallen down the 32-metre well after playing with friends near the entrance leading to a major operation involving construction workers, police, and doctors.
His aunt said on social media:
"My nephew, my heart is aching for him, too much. May God be with him, just like how God stood with us."
Rescuers had been digging a massive trench next to the well in the hope of extracting the boy alive and water and medication had been delivered via a rope. The boy was seen shrouded in a gold heat blanket by those who extracted him.
Tributes have been paid by the Moroccan population, including King Mohammed. Comments included:
"Rayan may you rest with the angels... I wish you knew you were not alone all those days and that everyone around the world was praying for your safe return. Morocco did you proud."
"Rest in peace, tears stream around the world for Rayan tonight - no regrets please from his rescuers because they honestly did everything they could to save that little boy!"
As the youngster lay under the ground, he showed clear signs of life so it is not clear as to how he died and authorities have given no explanation as to how he died.
His mother said prior to his extraction:
"I pray and beg God that he comes out of that well alive and safe. Please God, ease my pain and his, in that hole of dust. The whole family went out to look for him then we realised that he'd fallen down the well."
His father adding:
"I keep up hope that my child will get out of the well alive. I thank everyone involved and those supporting us in Morocco and elsewhere."
As the rescue went on the hashtag #SaveRayan became widespread in both Morocco and the wider world. Further details of the tragedy should be released in the coming days, as will the question as to why an unopened well was allowed to remain open in an area known to be played in by young children.
[Based on reporting by: The Daily Mail]
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