Ride-on mower tragedy: paying tribute to Maddox after tragic death in South Coast NSW Pambula
Boy, three, who was tragically killed after his father accidentally reversed him with a ride-on mower, is identified – as relatives leave heartbreaking tributes
A three-year-old boy who was tragically killed after being accidentally hit by a ride-on mower driven by his father is remembered as a bold and energetic “angel” who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Maddox was taken to Pambula District Hospital on the south coast of NSW on Saturday with serious injuries after being hit with the mower blades.
The boy later died, despite desperate resuscitation efforts by paramedics.
‘He [the father] vice versa about the poor child. He didn’t see him,” said a police spokesman.
The tight-knit community has gathered around Maddox’s heartbroken parents and two sisters, ages five and nine, by launching an online fundraiser.
The tragic death of three-year-old Maddox has sparked an outpouring of tributes
“We hope to raise enough money for Maddox’s family, including his two older sisters, to give him a beautiful farewell, in honor of his memory,” the page reads.
“Allowing everyone to say a final goodbye and celebrate their lives.”
Additional funds will be used to enable Maddox’s parents and siblings to travel interstate to reunite with family who will be unable to attend the funeral and for grief counseling.
Maddox is remembered as an energetic and fun-loving toddler who loved the color blue.
“Despite the short time Maddox was given, he made a huge impression on everyone he met, and was truly his parents’ little angel,” the page adds.
His family has many fond memories to cherish and remember his sassy personality and would like to give Maddox a memorial that honors these memories.
Maddox loved the color blue and painting his nails with his big sisters, so to celebrate his life, we’re asking everyone attending the memorial when it’s announced to wear something blue and paint your nails pink for Maddox! ‘
Toddler was hit and killed in tragic riding mower accident (stock image)
The online fundraiser has already raised nearly $4,000 within hours.
Maddox’s grandmother helps run the Pambula Motorfest & Swap meet.
“Many of you will know Wendy, who is our wonderful (superwoman) secretary/treasurer, some only by her voice over the phone,” the group wrote Wednesday night.
“She always puts others first, and now it’s our turn to help her and her family.
“Unfortunately, Wendy’s grandson had a tragic accident this weekend and passed away, and the family is raising money to cover little Maddox’s funeral expenses.”
NSW Police are not expected to press charges, but must investigate such deaths to provide a report to the coroner.
“I don’t think anything you can do to the father will unfortunately change his feelings,” the police spokesman said.
‘It’s unusual. It’s not death by natural causes, so that’s why we do what we do.’
Karen Wright, a Bega Valley Shire councilor from South Pambula, said: “It’s an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to the family.”
Maddox was rushed to Pambula District Hospital with serious injuries but could not be saved