Jumping castle victim Peter Dodt remembered as ‘forever young’

A young boy killed in a freak jumping castle accident while trying to help other students has been farewelled at a touching funeral.

Family and friends have gathered to remember one of the children killed in Tasmania’s jumping castle tragedy as a “firecracker of a kid” who was helpful, kind and compassionate.

Peter Anthony Dodt, 12, died after the freak accident unfolded at the Hillcrest Primary School on December 16.

There were nine children from grades five and six playing on the jumping castle when a gust of wind blew it 10 metres into the air during end-of-year celebrations.

Peter was one of six students killed as a result.

He was honoured at funeral service held at Mersey Gardens Chapel and Crematorium on Wednesday where he was remembered as “a surprise package”, a “kind caring little soul” and “a firecracker of a kid”.

Peter Dodt, 12, is one of the victims who died in the Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy. Picture: Supplied

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Mersey Gardens Chapel and Crematorium to honour the boy. Picture: Supplied

Hundreds of mourners heard of how the young boy tried help the other children that were injured in the incident before he needed urgent medical treatment by paramedics.

One of his teachers Gaye Kelly spoke at the service, saying Peter always wanted to learn, to do his best and would get frustrated if he didn’t get the right answers.

She said he wanted to be a policeman when he grew up, so much so that he chose to play that character in the school’s play and brought a toy gun and sheriff’s badge to add authenticity to the role.

“Peter was helpful. He would often ask to help me do things. He was always responsible,” the teacher said.

“He was very proud to be a sport leader this year. He always remembered where he had to be and who with.”

Peter was remembered as a “firecracker of a kid” and “a surprise package”. Picture: Supplied

His teacher said the wannabe policeman had a “kind caring little soul” and was always helpful. Picture: Supplied

Another teacher said the boy’s fierce loyalty to his family and friends and his cheeky humour were the two things that stood out to her.

She said there was also a kind and compassionate side to Peter, shown when he spent his time welcoming a new girl at school.

“Your need to help others was one of your best traits,” she said.

“I’ll always appreciate the funny starts to our day and that cheeky grin and wide eyes in my mind.”

His mother Miranda McLaughlin had a poem read aloud where she said she could still hear her son’s voice.

“Forever young and free you’ll be, fly high and be free,” she said.

Peter’s mother Miranda McLaughlin said her son had a “beautiful soul”. Picture: Supplied

Peter had a colourfully decorated casket where mourners laid a single rose petal on top as they said goodbye. Picture: Supplied

People were heard crying as a slide show with images of Peter and his loved ones was played towards the end of the ceremony.

The service ended when each mourner took a single rose petal and laid it on Peter’s colourfully decorated casket.

Following the incident, three other students were rushed to hospital.

So far, two of them remain there as they continue to recover while the third was discharged before Christmas.

Peter is the third child to be farewelled as services were held for Zane Mellor and Jye Sheehan, both aged 12, last week.

Originally published as Jumping castle victim Peter Dodt remembered as ‘forever young’