A BABY boy died suddenly at 10 months old after surviving a traumatic and premature birth, an inquest heard.

Coroner Dr Roy Palmer was unable to explain why little Albie Crisp died in his sleep on October 18 last year and recorded a verdict of sudden unexplained death in infancy.

The tiny tot from Beckenham was born 12 weeks prematurely when his mother had a heart attack, six months into her pregnancy.

Cheryl Crisp, 36, died several times on the operating table at Mayday Hospital, Croydon, on December 2, 2008, after suffering a severe heart attack due to a blood clot.

Doctors battled to save her life and that of her premature son when she went into labour after coming out of a six-day medically-induced coma.

Albie spent the next eight months in a number of hospitals and doctors finally released him after treating him for a urinary tract infection. But he died shortly afterwards.

The inquest yesterday (February 24) heard from paramedic Karen McConville who described how she tried to resuscitate Albie on the morning of October 18.

News Shopper: Cheryl and her partner Terry Kemp with baby Albie

Mr Palmer said despite a thorough post mortem, no cause of death could be found.

He said: “I am so sorry you lost Albie in this sudden and sad way.

“Life can be hard at times.”

Speaking after the inquest, Albie's heart-broken parents, Miss Crisp and her partner Terry Kemp, spoke of the moment they realised their precious son would not wake up.

Miss Crisp said when she awoke at 8.30am Albie’s face was blue and he was not breathing.

Mr Kemp added: “Our world seemed to end the day Albie died.

“He was a happy baby, he was not able to smile but he was always kicking his legs about. His eyes would follow you about the room.”