The body of Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz released to family member

As the mother of eight-year-old Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz remains in prison for his alleged murder, a court has ordered who will receive his body for a funeral.

A court has decided which family member the body of eight-year-old Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz will be released to.

Police found Zion dead at his Rockhampton home on July 30, just after 2am.

His mother, Louwanna Thyra Goltz, 36, has been charged with his alleged murder.

She is incarcerated at Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre awaiting another court date in October.

Louwanna Thyra Goltz and Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz.

Early reports indicate Zion had strangulation marks on his neck, however an autopsy is underway to confirm the cause of death.

Due to the suspicious circumstances of his death, Zion’s death was reported to the Coroner.

The Coroner will now investigate the circumstances and cause of death.

It will be up to the Coroner to find out what happened, not to lay blame.

The Coroner will also decide if an inquest will be held, which would potentially involve recommendations for how to prevent similar types of death from occurring again.

Zion’s death is under investigation by the Central Coroner, David O’Connell, who is located in Mackay.

Mr O’Connell this week decided who Zion’s body would be released to.

A spokesperson for the Coroners Court of Queensland was not able to confirm which family member this was, but it is believed to be the person who applied for it.

“A decision on the release of his body to a family member for his funeral service has been made and has been advised to the family who sought release of his body,” the Coroners Court of Queensland response read.

“No further comment on this aspect can be made at this time.”

Zion’s body can be released once the autopsy and all testing has been completed.

It is unclear if this has been finalised.

Louwanna Thyra Goltz has been charged with the alleged murder of Zion Goltz.

A Go Fund Me for Zion’s funeral was created a few days after his death.

The online fundraiser has been created by “immediate family” Mervina Freeman and Dunduli Ross-Miller.

“We the Rockhampton community are all aware that there has been a terrible tragedy in the last week that has affected all members of the community near and far,” the Go Fund Me reads.

“The life of a young child, Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz, has ended well before his time and as a community, the friends and family are endeavouring to ensure that this Angel is awarded the respect and dignity of a beautiful farewell that any innocent child of this world is deserving of.”

Zion’s father is Timmothy O’Halloran.

It is understood Zion’s death has caused heartache within the family.

An application was submitted to the court on August 1 for Louwanna Goltz to remain in custody for “her own protection or welfare”.

“Police have information that there is unrest in the families involved, and may take matters into their own hands should she be released from custody.”

Another Go Fund Me has been created for Bev, the foster carer who had Zion for the first seven years of his life.

Zion was placed back into the care of his mother Louwanna 12 months ago.

“She (Bev) went back to her homeland of NZ heartbroken after Zion was returned to his mother,” the Go Fund Me reads.

The Go Fund Me is raising money to pay for Bev’s flights and accommodation to come from New Zealand to Rockhampton.

Not-for-profit charity organisation Act For Kids has asked where the voice for Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz is.

“Act for Kids has been devastated to hear the shocking details about the circumstances leading up to the horrific alleged murder of Rockhampton boy Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz,” CEO Doctor Katrina Lines said.

Act For Kids offers evidence-led professional therapy and support services to children and families who have experienced or are at risk of, harm, and operates 30 centres across Australia.

“Act for Kids strongly believes foster carers play an important role in ensuring the safety of a child they care for, including where appropriate, having a voice in the decision-making process,” Ms Lines said.

“The Carmody Report also recognised a child’s rights must be protected above those of parents and other adults.”

This publication published an article this week after speaking with a number of Rockhampton and Gladstone foster carers anonymously, who are living in fear of having their children taken off them so they can be reunified with their biological families.

Others spoke of forced contact visits with biological family members, some of which have been convicted of serious crimes and children refusing to go to school because they are anxious and worried someone from the Department will pick them up.

“Act for Kids believes that children’s thoughts and feelings must be considered in decisions about contact, placements and reunification,” Ms Lines said.

“We have a responsibility to listen to their voices.

“This is especially true for First Nations children and young people, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are eight times more likely to receive child protection services in Australia.

“As a community we must do better to prevent child harm.”