The French boy who was thrown from the Tate Modern’s 10th-storey viewing platform in August 2019 has finally been discharged from hospital, marking a major milestone in a recovery that has spanned nearly seven years. The child, now 13 years old, was only six when he was attacked, and he sustained severe injuries including multiple broken bones and bleeding on the brain.
A hard-won milestone
In an update shared on a GoFundMe page, the family revealed that their son left the hospital as soon as it was medically possible. The boy had become deeply disheartened during his long stay, which cut short years of normal childhood experience.
“We wanted to let you know that our little knight has finally left the hospital!” they wrote. “His hospital stay was kept as short as possible because, despite our daily presence and encouragement, our son was becoming deeply disheartened and kept asking when he could go back to class and see his friends.”
The family also confirmed that he returned to school last month, just before the summer holidays. “It was a great joy for him to return to school shortly before the summer holidays; since the lessons were well-tailored to his needs and challenges, he was able to start learning again, and reuniting with his teachers and classmates put a smile back on his face.”
First steps and continued challenges
While the boy has now taken his first steps as a walker, his left leg remains weak since he underwent surgery, the family added. He continues to need adapted swimming lessons to build strength, and he is also receiving maths tutoring to catch up on the months of school he missed during his extensive treatment.
To celebrate his discharge from hospital, the family treated him to a tandem paragliding flight and a week-long pirate-themed seaside trip with friends from the Éclaireurs de France and his special needs educator. The boy, who uses a special needs educator as part of his ongoing rehabilitation, was able to enjoy a rare moment of joy and freedom.
A ‘sad step backward’ earlier this year
The latest update marks a significant shift from a more sombre message delivered in January. At that time, the family said the youngster remained in a rehabilitation centre and was still unable to walk, describing it as a “sad step backward” in his recovery. The news that he has since left hospital and returned to school represents a remarkable turnaround.
In the new update, the family thanked the supporters who have donated to the GoFundMe page, which has helped fund his care and education. “It will certainly be a busy summer,” they wrote. “We are going to try to fully recharge his batteries (and our own) before the start of the school year, and to get back to a family routine as normal as possible. Thank you so much. We could not do so much for our child without your wonderful support.”
The attack and its aftermath
The incident occurred when Jonty Bravery, then 17 years old, threw the six-year-old from the gallery’s top-floor balcony. The child fell 100 feet onto a lower level of the building, suffering catastrophic injuries. Bravery, who was diagnosed with a mixed personality disorder, was living in social services accommodation but had been allowed to leave the home alone on that day.
A court later heard that Bravery had intended to select and kill someone. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted murder in 2020. Earlier this year, Bravery was back in court and was jailed for a further 16 weeks for assaulting two nurses at Broadmoor high-security hospital in Berkshire. That assault took place in 2024.
A summer of recovery and hope
Now, the boy is spending the summer focusing on his physical and academic recovery. In addition to his swimming and tutoring, he is reconnecting with friends and gaining strength each day. The family’s latest message is one of cautious optimism as they look towards the start of the new school year.
Their son’s resilience has been nothing short of extraordinary. From a fall that nearly killed him, and years of hospital stays alternating with rehabilitation centres, he is now back home with his family, walking again and looking forward to a semblance of normal life. As his family said, his return to school “put a smile back on his face” – a smile that supporters’ generosity helped make possible.
