Aziz Borne, 2, dies after highway crash south of Townsville

A North Queensland father said his family has “lost a part of our heart and soul” after his two-year-old son died in hospital after a horror highway crash on Sunday.

AZIZ Borne was with his family for only a short time, but the little boy who loved to dance and sing has left a hole in their lives that will never be filled.

The two-year-old’s life was tragically cut short when the car he was travelling in with his twin sister, Arcadia, his mum Jade and grandmother Donna Chapman, 47, was involved in a horrific crash last Sunday.

Ms Chapman sadly died at the scene, and little Aziz fought hard, but died in hospital on Thursday night.

His mother Jade and twin sister Arcadia remain in hospital in Townsville.

His father Alan Borne paid tribute to the two-year-old on Friday, saying the compassionate toddler “only knew how to be happy.”

“We have lost a part of our heart and soul, he will be remembered with every breath,” he said. “He was incredibly compassionate brave and energetic, he would always wake with a smile.

“He loved cuddles and helping his sister, you could never separate the two. Aziz was a mummy’s boy, with the biggest heart and unmatched curiosity, nothing scared him.

“If he thought someone was sad he would run up and give you kisses.

“He was one of a kind.”

Mr Borne said Aziz was a happy child and only ever wanted to be that way.

“He loved to dance and sing, he would practise counting to 10, he loved learning new things and loved teaching his sister.

“He would chase his shadow or chase the beach waves, he always found a way to laugh and love life.

“He only knew how to be happy. Only ever wanted to help.”

Investigators yesterday charged the driver of a Toyota LandCruiser, a 22-year-old Ayr man, with two counts of manslaughter and three counts of grievous bodily harm.

Aziz Borne.

Early investigations suggest at 5pm last Sunday, a Toyota LandCruiser travelling south on the Bruce Highway, allegedly driven by the Ayr man, struck a Toyota Corolla then collided with a Mazda 3.

The Corolla and Mazda 3 were both travelling northbound.

Aziz’s uncle Jorden Chapman took to Facebook to say goodbye to his young nephew.

“Goodbye uncle’s little amazing boy,” Mr Chapman wrote. “You did your best to try to stay alive but unfortunately the angels got you.

“Mema is waiting for you bubba! Rest in Peace my beautiful baby.”

The Burdekin community were also quick to show their support for the family with many people offering their condolences via Facebook.

Aziz Borne.

Fiona Mattey said it was “So sad to hear, condolences to the family, there are no words to fix a shattered heart, just love your family xx”.

Michelle Taylor said “This is so heartbreaking, thinking of all the family” while Charli Gesah said “My heart aches for his Mummy and Family … Rest Easy in Paradise with your Nan, Aziz”.

Crystal Jepsen said “RIP little man you can now fly with other beautiful angels and your beautiful nan”.

The 22-year-old Ayr man is due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on November 19.

Originally published as Aziz Borne, 2, dies after highway crash south of Townsville