Charity steps in to cover Onyx Packer’s funeral costs

A toddler who tragically drowned in a dam off the Bruce Highway is being remembered as a “special boy” as a charity steps up with a generous gesture for his grieving family.

The grandfather of Onyx Packer has launched a Gofundme to raise funds for the toddler’s funeral, but the funds raised may not be needed thanks to a generous offer from a highly respected Wide Bay charity.

The grandfather of a toddler who tragically drowned in a Tinana dam has remembered him as “special boy” who brought joy into many lives during his short time on Earth.

Troy Packer launched a Gofundme to raise funds for a funeral for his grandson Onyx, but the donations will now go towards touching keepsakes after a generous offer from a highly respected Wide Bay charity.

Onyx was a week short of his second birthday when he tragically fell into a dam on a private property near the Country Stopover Caravan Park, south of Maryborough, and drowned.

In the weeks following the tragedy, Mr Packer questioned the efforts of police officers who tried to help resuscitate the toddler before paramedics arrived.

He claims they only put the toddler on his side one time to clear fluid from his lungs — something he said paramedics did immediately upon arrival.

When asked about the family’s concerns a Queensland Police Service spokesman said police would prepare a report for the Coroner.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Onyx had been staying at the caravan park with his dad when he wandered off to the neighbouring property.

Onyx Packer was only a week away from his second birthday when he tragically drowned.

A fundraiser was set up by the grandfather last week to cover the costs of Onyx’s funeral with a goal of $800 and at the time of publication, $560 had already been donated.

“Dearest Onyx Mathew Packer, since you came into this life you have brought joy and love,” the message on the fundraiser page reads.

“We are all grateful for the time spent with you and the treasured memories we as a family will keep forever in our hearts.

“You are loved by everyone who crossed paths with you special boy. May your wings fly high till we see you again.”

Earlier this week Mr Packer revealed that Rally for a Cause, a community-led charity in the Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast, would cover the costs of the funeral, while the remaining funds raised by the Gofundme would be used for an urn and pendants for Onyx’s ashes.

You can donate to the Packer’s Gofundme here.