A seven-year-old lad has tragically died after choking on chewing gum.

Schoolboy Arthur Martins Mariano was taken to an emergency department in Tupa, south-eastern Brazil, on Boxing Day after he choked on a piece of chewing gum.

His condition was so serious that he had to be transferred to a hospital in Marilia around an hour and a quarter away by car.

However, he ended up dying at Santa Casa de Misericordia de Marilia hospital on Tuesday afternoon (27th December).

Arthur, who is seen happy and smiling in these photos, lived and went to school in Tupa. Local media reported that the accident did not happen while he was at school.

Following his untimely passing, his aunt took to social media to write: “It is with much heartache that I’m here to tell you that my nephew didn’t make it.”

Addressing him directly, she added poignantly: “I will love you forever.”

A case was opened at the police station in Marilia and will be investigated by Civil Police.

Arthur’s cause of death was not reported, but choking typically causes asphyxiation, which can lead to loss of consciousness and brain injury.