'Parents' little angel': Devastated family remembers Maddox, 3, killed by dad in lawn mower accident
SOUTH PAMBULA, AUSTRALIA: A family has been left devastated after they lost their three-year-old son. Maddox reportedly died on March 11 after being accidentally fatally struck by a lawn mower driven by his father. Following the incident, he was taken to Pambula District Hospital on the NSW far south coast but despite frantic efforts, he could not be saved.
It has been said that residents of Pambula know Maddox’s family especially because of his grandmother Wendy, who helps organize the yearly Pambula Motorfest and Swap Meet. “It's too much for the family to talk about at the moment,” she told Daily Mail Australia. The show and shine event also shared their thoughts after the unfortunate episode.
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It said, “Many of you will know Wendy, who is our wonderful (superwoman) secretary/treasurer, some only by her voice over the phone. She always puts others first, and now it is our turn to help her and her family. Unfortunately, Wendy's grandson suffered a tragic accident over the weekend and passed away, and the family is fundraising to cover the cost of little Maddox's funeral.”
Fundraiser for Maddox
Family friend Jessica Porter launched a GoFundMe for the family with a message that stated, “Hi my name is Jess and I am seeking donations to support the family of 3-year-old Maddox who very tragically passed away on Saturday the 11th after a ride-on mower accident. As you can understand this is a very difficult time for the family and they were not prepared for the sudden passing of Maddox or the high cost of a funeral.”
The fundraiser continued, “We are hoping to raise enough funds to allow Maddox's family, including his two older sisters (5 & 9 years old) to give him a beautiful send-off, honoring his memory. Allowing everyone to have their final goodbyes and celebrate his life. Any additional funds raised will go towards allowing Maddox's parents and siblings to travel interstate to connect with family who is unable to attend the service. Some funds will also be needed to provide grief counseling for the family.”
‘Many beautiful memories to cherish’
Calling the child “an energetic and happy toddler,” it noted, “Despite the short time Maddox was given he made a huge impression on everyone he met, and truly was his parents' little angel. His family have many beautiful memories to cherish and recall his cheeky personality and would like to provide Maddox with a memorial that honors these memories.”
“Maddox loved the color blue and painting his nails with his big sisters, so in celebration of his life we ask that all attending the memorial when it is announced wear something blue and paint your nails pink for Maddox!” the fundraiser added.
Meanwhile, reports have said that no charges will be pressed against Maddox’s father. According to an NSW Police spokesperson, “I don't think anything you could do to the father would change the way he feels, unfortunately. It's unusual. It's not a death that's caused by natural causes, so that's why we're doing what we're doing.” Karen Wright, a Bega Valley Shire councilor from South Pambula, added, “'It is absolutely tragic and my heart goes out to the family.”