Tragedy struck a family holiday as a nine year old boy collapsed and passed away during a boat excursion. Mattia Cossettini was on holiday with his parents and younger brother in Marsa Alam, an Egyptian resort town, when he suddenly fell ill just three days into their trip.

       The Italian family from Tricesimo had set off for their vacation on January 2, anticipating their return to Italy on Thursday. The horrific incident occurred on Sunday afternoon as the family enjoyed their boat trip, when Mattia suddenly lost consciousness. He briefly regained it, complaining of a severe headache, leading his concerned parents to seek immediate medical attention at their resort.

       Diagnosed with heatstroke, Mattia was administered IV fluids and medications, before being sent back to his room. But his condition declined overnight, necessitating a rush to the hospital where he suffered a heart attack in the early hours of January 6.

       Mattia's heartbroken father, Marco, told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera: "Mattia had gone into a coma. We're waiting to understand more,"reports The Mirror.

       It is currently suspected that the schoolboy - who had turned nine on December 23 - died from a brain haemorrhage, Italian news agency Ansa reported, quoting medical sources.

       His grieving father, aged 41, remarked on his son's robust health, expressing shock over the abrupt turn of events: "My son has always been in great health. I can only say that he was perfectly fine until he fainted." An official inquiry into the tragic case is currently underway by Egyptian authorities.

       Mattia's father lamented the care his son received, branding the medical facility "a hospital in the loosest sense of the word" and noting: "Quite a bit of time was lost before they intervened."

       The family's lawyer, Maria Virginia Maccari, informed Adnkronos that preparations are underway to repatriate the family and Mattia's remains to Italy.