A haunting photo has revealed the final moments of a young boy who died after playing in toxic limestone dust.
Seven-year-old Arthur Bitencourt died just moments after he was captured smiling with two thumbs up while sitting chest-deep in the limestone powder on August 3, his uncle Romaldo Bitencourt shared.
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The youngster reportedly jumped into the limestone pile while playing in Ipiranga, southern Brazil, when he began to experience difficulty breathing.
Arthur was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.
Bitencourt said his nephew’s “tragic death” was caused by “limestone inhalation while he played”.
Limestone dust contains crystalline silica particles that can cause silicosis, an irreversible scarring of the lungs that can be fatal.
Repeated limestone exposure can also cause breathing issues and cancer.
In another tribute to Arthur, Bitencourt thanked God for “gifting us, for seven years, one month and ten days, with such a special human being”.
“We thank all of you who have been with our family in this difficult time that we never imagined we would go through,” he wrote.
Local media reports the family said they were unaware of the dangers involved with limestone, and local police are investigating the death.
Loved ones farewelled Arthur at a funeral service on August 4 and will celebrate his life at a mass on Friday.