The family of an 11-year-old boy found hanged at a care home were due to apply to regain custody of their son next month.
Tragic Dylan McDonald's body was spotted by youngsters playing outside, hanging outside his bedroom window at The Appletree Centre in Cumbria.
Teachers immediately rushed to the boy's aid and found him still alive, suspended from a large Victorian window at the home.
Young Dylan, originally from Liverpool, was cut down and driven to a hospital in Lancaster where he later lost his fight for life.
His grieving family paid tribute to "joker" Dylan, and said he had showed no warning signs of a desire to commit suicide.
Uncle Shaun McDonald told how Dylan had been excitedly looking forward to trips back home to see his dad Peter and mum Sharon at Hallowe'en and Christmas.
Mr McDonald, from Warrington, said: "Everyone is in a state of shock.
"When Peter went to see him on Sunday, he was laughing and joking.
"They took him out for meals and Dylan was really looking forward to coming back home later this month.
"We've been told he may have had an argument with a teacher, or another pupil on Monday, and he was a bit down on Tuesday.
"But, essentially, why he did this is a mystery."
Officers from Cumbria Police launched an investigation into Dylan's death, which is not being treated as suspicious.
His distraught family are calling for answers about the hours leading up to his death.
Claims have surfaced that Dylan was not checked for an hour-and-a-half, between 3.45pm when he went to his bedroom, and 5.15pm when he was found.
And the boy's family have raised questions regarding the home's standard procedures - including bedroom doors being kept open, and a teacher stationed on the outside corridor.
Knowsley Council, whose care Dylan was in, refused to comment on the suggestions, stating that an enquiry was underway.
Dylan, who had four brothers and one sister, had spent the last three years at the care home in the Lake District.
His uncle added that he had a good relationship with his parents and would see them every fortnight on visits.
Peter and Sharon were due to apply to regain custody of their son at court next month.
Tributes have poured in to a Facebook RIP page, including a heartfelt message from Dylan's grief-stricken mum Sharon.
She wrote: "Dylan son dont know wat to do with out u now u are a sweet little boy that made us both very proud u rest now with your little sis siobhan.
"We still dont believe it you are the light of our lives we will always love an miss u , u will always be in our hearts an u will never be forgotten u are my little angel u will always hold my heart with u we all love u an miss u goodnight godbless my son love always mum dad an gang xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
A Knowsley Council spokesperson said: "The death is a terrible tragedy.
"Our thoughts are with the family and we will be offering them every possible support at this very difficult time.
"We are working closely with Cumbria Police who are conducting an investigation into the circumstances around the death."
Megan, Liverpool around 2 years, 3 months ago