A two-year-old boy drowned after falling into his grandparents' swimming pool.
Edward 'Teddie' Rainger was last seen playing with his four-year-old brother next to the pool in his grandparents' garden.
Emergency services were called after he was found lying lifeless on the pool bottom in Langdon Hills, Essex.
The little boy was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
An inquest was formally opened at Chelmsford Coroners' Court following the tragedy on Tuesday last week.
During the brief hearing, the court heard how the boy was seen playing shortly before he was found under the water.
Coroner's officer, Alan Adkin, said: "Teddie Rainger and his four-year-old brother were last seen playing on the decking. He was later found at the bottom of the swimming pool."
Essex Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray offered her condolences to the family, who were not present, before adjourning the inquest.
A police investigation into the death is now under way, although a spokesman confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances.
Family members paid tribute to Teddie, who had been staying with his grandparents Mark and Deborah Rainger at their detached home.
His aunt Kirsty Rainger, 26, wrote a message on Facebook saying: "This is breaking our hearts & it's a cruel world."
She added: "My gorgeous brave Teddie. I can't believe this has happened.
"You will always be in my heart and not a second will go by where I don't think of you and miss you. You're such a clever funny boy. A little daredevil and a little fighter. Life itself will never be the same. You'll be the brightest star shining down on your big brother, mummy and daddy.
"This is so heartbreaking. Sleep tight and keep smiling, we know you'll always be with us."