Heartbreaking moments after toddler found dead at daycare

A family member has paid tribute to the ‘gorgeous boy’ who was found unresponsive at his daycare centre last week, and revealed the wrenching sequence of events his parents endured. An appeal has been launched to support the family. Here is the latest.

The heartbreak of a Maryborough couple, whose toddler son went to sleep and didn’t wake up during a nap at daycare, has been laid bare as the community is asked to help support the family in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The toddler died on July 20, 2022, at Little Gems Childcare and Early Learning Centre in a tragedy that left the community in shock.

Now, Stevie Charlton has started a GoFundMe page with aim of raising $25,000 to help the family in its time of grief.

Ms Charlton, who is the aunt of the little boy’s mother, said the couple had received “the call no parent should ever have to receive – their gorgeous little boy had gone down for a nap at daycare and wouldn’t wake up”.

“They watched in horror at the hospital as the emergency team worked on their little man, trying their best to bring him back to his mummy and daddy.

“But after over an hour with no success, they called it – time of death.

A toddler tragically went down for a nap at Maryborough's Little Gems Childcare and Early Learning Centre and never woke up in a tragedy that left the community in mourning.

“He was brought into this world only two and a half years ago out of pure love, and we have been blessed enough to watch this little family flourish over this time.

“Some people are truly born to be parents and they are two of those people.

“They fought tirelessly for medical tests to be done when they felt something wasn’t quite right with their gorgeous boy, still awaiting results on multiple tests and parented him with such ease and care; there was absolutely nothing they wouldn’t do for him and it shined through in the happy, bubbly, loving little man he was becoming.”

More flowers have been left outside Maryborough’s Little Gems Childcare and Early Learning Centre after the death of a two year old child on Wednesday.

“Now not only do they have to go through the torture of awaiting autopsy results and coroners reports while beginning to plan their baby’s funeral, they also have to bear the financial struggles this will incur.”

Ms Charlton said she would not name the family to protect their privacy.

“We would extremely appreciate your help in any way you can, even if it’s just by sharing this – to assist them by easing the financial burden so these two amazing people can focus on grieving and attempting to heal from this unfathomable loss.”

So far, $1636 has been raised towards a $25,000 goal.

To make a donation, click here.