Kyan Pennell’s father Ian Pennell pays tribute after deadly accident

Grief-stricken family, friends and former teachers of a 12-year-old Mary Valley boy, killed while trying to close a gate for his dad, have remembered him as a “beautiful, sweet, quiet and smart boy”.

The heartbroken father of Mary Valley youngster Kyan Pennell, who was killed while trying to close a farm gate for his dad on Monday, has paid tribute to his son on Facebook.

Twelve-year-old Kyan was meant to be starting high school at Noosa High this year. His family had moved from Sydney to the Gympie region just over two years ago seeking the quiet, country life.

The Pomona school student was unable to be saved from his devastating injuries after he became wedged between a box trailer loaded with soil that was being towed by his dad Ian, and the gate leading into his family’s property at Tuchekoi, about 30km south of Gympie.

He’d gotten out to open the gate at the steep entrance to the property on Chinaman’s Creek Road about midday on Monday when the gate partially closed between the car and the trailer.

Somehow Kyan became caught between the trailer and the gate, causing the terrible injuries that killed him.

Police said Ian heard a “bang” and then a “yell”. He jumped out of the car, Kyan’s little sister jumped out of the car, his mum came running down from the house and a neighbour who had also heard the yell came running down.

Despite their desperate efforts and the efforts of the multiple emergency crews who went to the scene, Kyan did not survive his injuries.

His grief stricken father Ian posted this to Facebook on Tuesday:

“As many may already know Amanda, Lauryn and I lost our beautiful, creative, quirky, smart, talented, funny, animal loving son/brother Kyan yesterday in a freak accident.

“Just wanted to thank everyone for their heartfelt messages of love and support.

“Also special thanks to the amazing Flight Drs, Paramedics, Police personal and our neighbours who fought for over an hour in an attempt to save him. His injuries were simply too great. I know many will have questions and in time I will answer any personal messages.

“We will notify funeral arrangements when we have it organised.”

Kyan’s Year 5 teacher from Gympie Central School, Kerri Groves, also paid tribute to the “very smart, quiet, beautiful boy” she taught in 2020.

“It is a beautiful family,” Ms Groves said. “They are just lovely people and devoted parents. They moved from Sydney to the country for Kyan. He was such a sweetie.”

Twelve-year-old Kyan Pennell was killed in a freak accident at his family's Tuchekoi property on Monday, January 31, 2022.

There was also an outpouring of grief and support from friends and family on Facebook.

“I’m so deeply sorry for you all. I have very fond memories of you all and making up Haikus at the lake in Greece with Kyan is a great one. He was a remarkable young man and a pleasure to be around – mature beyond his years. Again, words can never express my deepest sympathies,” said Laura Saunders.

“My heart breaks for you all. Such an amazing soul Kyan was. And u both such amazing parents. Prayers go out to u all,” said Vaness Ques.

Clare Pennell said:

“So many broken hearts for this wee man, made harder with closed borders still. The talent this kid had for music was unbelievable, certainly not from our side of the family, that was all Amanda. We will miss you so much Ky Xxx”

Sonya Tweeddale said:

“My heart breaks for you guys, something no parent should have to endure. You are in my thoughts, much love and Take care of you xoxo”

Police investigators will now prepare a report for the coroner.

Our hearts go out to Kyan’s family.