Alfie Evans: Legal battle toddler dies https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43933056 Published 28 April 2018 IMAGE COPYRIGHTKATE JAMES Alfie Evans, the 23-month-old toddler at the centre of a High Court legal battle, has died, nearly a week after his life support was withdrawn. The boy from Merseyside, who had a degenerative brain condition, died at 02:30 BST, his father Tom Evans said. On Facebook he wrote: "My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings... absolutely heartbroken." The Pope, who took a personal interest in the case, tweeted: "I am deeply moved by the death of little Alfie." He added: "Today I pray especially for his parents, as God the Father receives him in his tender embrace." Hundreds of supporters of Alfie's parents, known as Alfie's Army, released balloons at a park in a tribute to the toddler. His aunt Sarah Evans thanked the crowd, saying: "Our hearts are broken. We are absolutely shattered as a family."