Rafa Niesler recovering after being hit by car in Sunshine Coast freak accident

A beautiful Sunshine Coast family thought they’d lost their 14-month-old son forever when he was tragically run over by a car at their home. Despite beating the odds, he’s still looking at a long road to recovery.

Rafa Niesler is recovering after being hit by a car.

A beautiful Sunshine Coast family thought they’d lost their 14-month-old son forever when he was tragically run over by a car at their home during a harrowing ‘freak accident’.

On Wednesday, January 17, 14-month-old Rafa Niesler was struck by a car at his family home, at Minyama about 9.15am.

A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said the he was presented to Kawana Waters Medical Centre nearby on Kensington Dr where staff called emergency services – he was then transported to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital before being flown to Queensland Children’s Hospital.

It is understood to have been a freak accident, and police are no longer investigating the cause of the crash. No charges have been laid.

His parents, Hayley and Kurt Niesler, thought they’d lost their precious little boy.

Little Rafa was sedated for 72 hours to help his body recover and reduce the swelling on his brain. Doctors told the family he had sustained a fractured skull.

An MRI revealed he had sustained damage to parts of his brain responsible for complex cognitive function, as well as his use of the right side of his body, and his speech.

Rafa is still in the Queensland Children’s Hospital where he will remain for another 12 months while he recovers.

Rafa Niesler with his mother Hayley Niesler. Picture – GoFundMe.

“Our little mate, one of the sweetest boys we know, was involved in a freak accident where he was ran over by a vehicle,” family friend Kim Mackenzie said on a GoFundMe page for Rafa.

“The road to Rafa’s recovery is a long and significant one, and the extent of the damage is not yet entirely known. The only known part of this journey is that his parents, Kurt and Hayley are committed with every inch of their being to giving Rafa the best shot at recovery – and getting the undeniable sparkle that Raf was known for, back.

“The extent of Rafa’s injuries will require full-time rehabilitation in Brisbane where he will receive specialist care by some of Australia’s top doctors for a predicted 12 month period.”

The Niesler family, including Rafa’s younger brothers Knox, 6, and Bowie, 4, will be travelling between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast throughout the rehab.

“Hayley will be required to be based in Brisbane with Rafa and Kurt will remain on the Sunshine Coast to maintain a familiar rhythm for the two older boys. The road ahead at this stage looks unfamiliar to all, but the unity between this team is stronger than ever,” Ms Mackenzie said.

“Kurt and Hayley are the very first people to drop over a home cooked meal to a friend in need, if there’s an outdoor adventure to be had – they are the ones to organise it; they are genuinely the most beautiful family and Rafa is the most precious little man. If there is anything that we can do as a community to support the long road they have ahead, we’d really love to.

“If there is any capacity in which you are able to support, we know they would be incredibly humbled and grateful for your generosity.

“Our deepest thank you in advance for your contribution, love, care and well wishes for our treasured little friend Raf.”

The GoFundMe has raised more than $12,000 in less than 24 hours.