The family of a French boy who survived being thrown from a Tate Modern viewing balcony in August 2019 say he has been discharged from hospital and has "a smile back on his face" after returning to school briefly. The six-year-old survived a roughly 100ft (30m) fall that caused a brain bleed and multiple fractures. He continues intensive rehabilitation, and a fundraiser has raised over £500,000 to help cover medical and related costs. His attacker, Jonty Bravery, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was given a life sentence with a minimum 15-year term.
Tate Modern Fall Boy Discharged From Hospital — Family Say He’s Smiling Again
The boy was aged six when he was thrown off the balcony of the Tate Modern in 2019 [AFP]
A French boy who was hurled from a viewing balcony at the Tate Modern gallery in London in August 2019 has been discharged from hospital, and his family say he has "a smile back on his face." The child was six when he survived a fall of around 100ft (30m) after an attack by then-teenager Jonty Bravery.
Recovery and Return to School
Nearly seven years after the incident, the family — who affectionately call him "notre petit chevalier" (our little knight) — shared on a fundraising page that he was able to return to school briefly before the summer holidays. Lessons were adapted to his needs, and reuniting with teachers and classmates brought him visible joy.
The boy fell 100ft (30m) after being pushed off a balcony [PA Media]
"Our little knight has finally left the hospital!" the family wrote. They explained his stay was kept as short as possible because he was becoming deeply disheartened and kept asking when he could go back to class and see his friends.
Injuries and Ongoing Rehabilitation
After surviving the fall, the boy suffered life-changing injuries, including a brain bleed and multiple broken bones. He continues to undergo intensive rehabilitation, receiving physiotherapy, speech therapy and neuropsychology support as part of a long-term recovery plan.
Community Support and Fundraising
The fundraising appeal was launched by nurse Vicky Diplacto, from Surrey, whose own brother was paralysed in an incident overseas. The initiative aims to cover medical and related costs for the boy and his family, and has raised more than £500,000 to date.
Jonty Bravery was 17 at the time of the attack [Met Police]
Legal Outcome
Jonty Bravery, who was 17 at the time of the attack and is now 24, was living in supported accommodation but had been allowed out unsupervised when he carried out the assault. Court evidence later indicated he intended to select and kill a victim. Bravery pleaded guilty to attempted murder and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years.
Earlier updates from the family have included setbacks — in April they reported a "sad step backwards" in his recovery — but the latest message is comparatively upbeat. The family and their supporters continue to focus on rehabilitation and rebuilding the boy's life.
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