Boy dies after horrific incident at PCYC gym north of Brisbane

A TEENAGE boy has tragically died after he was crushed by a 98kg bar weight during a workout at a Brisbane gym earlier this week.

Ben Shaw, 15, died after a tragic incident at a PCYC gym. Picture: Supplied

A TEENAGE boy has died after he was seriously injured in a tragic incident at a Brisbane gym earlier this week.

Ben Shaw, 15, suffered serious injuries when he was crushed by a 98kg bar weight at the Pine Rivers PCYC gym on Wednesday.

His devastated family released a statement on Sunday afternoon, confirmed Ben had died.

“Ben passed away yesterday afternoon with his family and friends around him,” the statement said.

“Ben was able to leave a legacy and donate his organs and tissue, giving life to others.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in Ben’s care, including all friends and family.”

Ben Shaw, 15, died after a tragic incident at a PCYC gym. Picture: Supplied

Earlier on Sunday, Ben’s football club, the Pine Central Holy Spirit Hornets, honoured the teen in a statement on social media.

“Yesterday afternoon they (the Shaw family) lost their beautiful Ben and has been able to leave a legacy by donating his tissue and organs to enable recipients have their lives saved and changed forever as a result,” the Facebook post said.

“As a club we will be assisting to see the world through Ben’s eyes and ensure his legacy lives on in support of his parent’s and family.”

Tributes have flowed on social media as dozens of people offered their condolences to Ben’s family and friends.

“You will be missed by many,” wrote one.

“My daughter said you were there for her when needed, no one will forget you”

Another said Ben’s light would “shine bright through his organ recipients”.

“Take some comfort & strength in knowing that Ben’s life is going to change many lives,” they wrote.

“Such a beautiful decision to donate....”

Flowers left at the Pine Rivers PCYC where ben Shaw tragically got stuck under a weights machine and passed away. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

Chairman of the PCYC Queensland Board Garry Humphries said words were “not enough to describe the sadness we feel for the Shaw family”.

“We are extremely saddened by the news of Ben Shaw’s passing and our deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends at this very difficult time,” he said.

Mr Humphries said the PCYC was fully cooperating with the ongoing Worksafe Queensland investigation into the incident.

“I know people want answers and so do we,” he said.

“We take the health and safety of our members very seriously and are also conducting our own investigation into the incident.

“However, our focus today is on supporting everybody who has been touched by this tragedy.”

The Pine Rivers PCYC will remain closed until further notice.

The Pine Rivers PCYC will remain closed until further notice. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

Bray Park Oztag also sent their deepest sympathy and love to the teen’s family and close friends.

“It’s with an absolute heavy heart that yesterday we lost one of our team mates, one of our friends, who passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his loved ones,” the club said via social media.

On Thursday, a local mother-of-four, who did not want to be named, spoke of the horrific moment her husband discovered Ben trapped under the bar.

“When he got there it was quiet, there was nobody around and he was about to start his workout when he looked over and saw the 15-year-old boy just lying on the bench with a bar right across his neck,” she told Seven News.

She said her husband “immediately rushed over” to help Ben.

“He grabbed the bar off his neck and yelled for help,’’ she said.

Two other members of the gym performed CPR until paramedics arrived at the scene.

It is understood Ben was trapped underneath the weight for up to 30 minutes before he was found.

“I still don’t understand why the staff weren’t around,” the woman said.