Moving tribute to Australian father after his six-year-old son drowned in a neighbor’s swimming pool

A grieving father has paid tribute to his six-year-old son who drowned in a backyard swimming pool by having a touching portrait of the child tattooed on his leg.

Andrew Pearman, 35, played with his son Sage in the backyard at their home in Lake Macquarie, NSW, on January 11.

The father had to go inside to check on his nine-year-old son, but when he returned around 3:10 p.m., Sage was gone.

The boy, who had autism, was non-verbal and had limited communication skills, liked to hide but also liked open spaces.

Sage never responded when his name was called.

Newcastle tattoo artist Pat Thompson donated his services to the family which Mr Pearman said captured ‘the essence of our son’

“We rent a large property but it takes about five minutes to check everything,” Pearman told Daily Mail Australia at the time.

After police arrived on the scene, Sage was found 20 minutes later in a neighbor’s pool – just 50 meters from his backyard – but he could not be revived.

Mr Pearman took to Instagram on Monday to reveal the tattoo and thank tattoo artist Pat Thompson for donating his services.

“The beautiful realistic portrait of our beloved son that now adorns my leg is a testament to your extraordinary talent and, more importantly, your compassionate heart,” he wrote.

“Your dedication to capturing the essence of our son has created a lasting tribute that we will forever hold close to our hearts.”

Newcastle-based Twenty Twelve Tattoo Company owner and artist Pat Thompson told Daily Mail Australia he was uncomfortable talking about his donation to the family.

“It was a father-to-father thing,” he said.

“I can’t even fathom what they’re going through.

“I’m glad they’re happy with it.”

Mr Pearman also wrote that he was grateful for the outpouring of community support and donations in the wake of the tragic incident.

Andrew Pearman is pictured with his partner, Lauren Moore, and two of their three sons: Sage, left, and Braxton, right

Andrew Pearman, pictured with his youngest son Sage, has thanked everyone for their support and donations, calling the acts of kindness ‘a beacon of light’

“Amid our deep sadness, your actions, the messages, calls and actions of others, with kindness, have been a beacon of light, reminding us of the goodness that exists in this world,” he said.

“To everyone who has shown us kindness, whether through words, actions or silent support, please accept our sincere thanks.

“Your generosity has been a source of comfort during this incredibly difficult time.”

The father wrote that his family is still coming to grips with their unimaginable loss, with their grief compounded by the fact that Sage’s birthday fell in the same month he died.

“The love and support we have received from friends, family and even strangers have been lifelines that have helped us navigate the storm of grief, combat the loneliness, the nightmares and the sense of loss.”