Parents of Innisfail girl found unresponsive in car identified but not accused of wrongdoing

A Queensland church leader says his community has been paralysed over the death of a little girl found unresponsive in a parked car, describing the parents as a “loving family”.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council's staff car park on Owen St, Innisfail.

A Far North Queensland religious leader says his community has been paralysed over the death of a little girl found unresponsive in a parked car, describing the parents as a “loving family”.

The girl was found inside a parked vehicle at Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s staff carpark in Innisfail on Monday afternoon.

She was rushed to Innisfail Hospital where staff continued CPR but sadly she could not be revived.

The father of the two-year-old girl is council employee Jason Hemingway.

The mother, his wife, is Yoanywe Diaz.

Neither of them have been accused of any wrongdoing by authorities.

Mother of Good Counsel Parish priest Father Kerry Crowley said the death had impacted him personally, after only having seen the girl on Sunday at church where she approached him for a blessing.

Fr Crowley said Innisfail was a small community, but one large family that was in shock and paralysis as it worked through the “profound grief”.

“I’ve had so many families come to me and ask how can we help Jason and Yoanywe, they have no words, they don’t know what to say, but they want to help,” Fr Crowley said.

“A lot of people see themselves in the same light, and think ‘What if that was my child?’

“It’s certainly a community that wants to help, and my answer right now is prayer – pray for them.”

Fr Crowley spoke highly of Mr Hemingway and Ms Diaz, who he was with at Innisfail Hospital following the death of their daughter.

“They are a loving family, a well-respected family and a family of faith.

“Their daughter was full of life and charm, and she’s not with them anymore, but she will be their angel.”

Jason Hemingway is the father of the two-year-old girl. Mr Hemingway has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Mr Hemingway, employed by CCRC, works within the Information, Communication and Technology department and was contacted for comment.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mayor Teresa Millwood expressed her sympathies for the family of the child.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected,” she said.

“Out of respect for their privacy during this difficult time, we will not be making any further comment at this stage. Thank you for your understanding.”

Cassowary Coast Regional Council's staff car park on Owen St, Innisfail.

It’s understood to be a first of its kind for the region in recent memory.

Far North District Superintendent Mick Searle on Tuesday stated police were conducting a very complex and detailed investigation in relation to the girl’s death, but had no additional updates on Wednesday.

“The family has been very cooperative at this point. I believe that will continue,” he said.

“The investigation is very detailed in its nature. It will be very complex, and there’ll be a range of factors that we’ll need to assess.

“Support is being provided to the family and friends in the Innisfail community and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the people who are involved in this matter.”

Originally published as Parents of Innisfail girl found unresponsive in car identified but not accused of wrongdoing