Gladiators star Zack George, aka TV athlete Steel, has shared how he believes a medical procedure contributed to the death of his newborn son.
The BBC star, 35, and wife Samantha George welcomed son Leo earlier this year, who was born 23 weeks premature.
Tragically, the infant died 13 days later, as his condition took a grave turn.
Described by George as ‘one hell of a strong boy,’ the issues began when Leo was taken off his ventilator and placed on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), a non-invasive way of keeping airways open.
It was during this procedure that it is believed accidental damage was done to his windpipe.
Later suffering from brain bleeds, a hole in his heart, and collapsing lungs, air pockets also began to form around little Leo’s lungs.
George told The Mirror: ‘Around the tenth day, they started getting a bit bigger. They came to the conclusion that when they tubed him, either the first or the second time, they created a hole in his windpipe. It’s no one’s fault; a baby that young is really fragile—it’s just a risk.’
He continued: ‘That was really hard, because if it hadn’t happened, he would probably still be here. A 23-week-old baby has so much to do. Overnight, he got quite bad; that’s when we went in, and he passed away.’
With Leo already having been through so much, the parents decided against CPR.
On April 8, George shared the sad news in a post to his Instagram account. Posting a picture of himself and Samantha cradling their son, he wrote: ‘Your mummy brought you into this world and your daddy held you as you left ♥️
‘Leo…… you showed us what the true definition of strength is and we are so proud of you.
‘You brought so much positivity to the world with the short time you were with us and we felt that positivity in abundance, we thank you all so much for that.
‘Although you were only with us for a short time, you brought us a lifetime of love. Thank you for letting us know that YOU had had enough of this fight. We will forever be grateful that we didn’t have to make that decision for you 💔
‘Leo our lion, we love you more than you will ever know.
‘Rest easy our little boy 🦁🦁🦁’.
In the comments below, George’s Gladiators co-stars paid tribute to the family’s loss.
‘RIP baby Leo 💔🕊️ Thoughts and prayers are with you both,’ wrote Montell Douglas, who plays Gladiator Fire.
‘So sorry!! Forever here for you guy!!’ said Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, AKA Nitro.
Matty Campbell, or Bionic, said: ‘Heartbreaking. we’re all here for you ❤️’
‘My heart genuinely breaks for you both, sending big hugs❤️’ commented Fury star Jodie Ounsley.
In Leo’s honour, George has launched a 13-day-long fitness challenge during which he’ll do a mile of burpees every day to commemorate his son.
Announcing the news on Instagram, George wrote: ‘It’s hard to put into words the pain of losing a child. The grief is heavy, and it’s taken so much strength just to begin piecing ourselves back together.
‘Our beautiful Leo taught us the true meaning of strength, courage, and bravery in his 13 precious days with us. Inspired by him, I’m taking on the “13 Days Fighting” challenge — to honour his life and carry forward his legacy.’
A donation to the fund will raise money for the Leicester Royal Infirmary NICU unit, where Leo was cared for, while also raising awareness for premature baby loss and supporting other families who have suffered similar heartbreak.
Fans can donate to the cause via George’s GoFundMe page, which has raised over £6,000 so far.
As the star prepared for the challenge, George shared a video of his fellow Gladiators practising 15 minutes of burpees.
‘This is a moment that will forever be with me, my family and Leo 🦁’ George wrote as he shared the footage to his Instagram account.
‘Everyone who makes one of the greatest Tv shows on earth pulling together and doing burpees in memory of Leo ♥️’
Describing it as ‘very emotional but perfect at the same time,’ he signed off: ‘Thank you, our boy would of loved watching this from above’.
For more information about the challenge, how to get involved, or to donate, visit leoandfriends.co.uk.
Sands UK charity
Sands UK is a stillbirth and neonatal death charity, which works to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that those affected by the loss of a baby receives the best possible care for as long as they need it.
The charity aims to better understand the causes of baby deaths and works with governments and other organisations to raise awareness of issues surrounding baby loss.
Sands provides bereavement support at a local and national level.
Please visit the Sands UK website for more information and contact details.
