‘Close-knit family’ devastated by boy’s minibus death
The family of a three-year-old boy who died after being left strapped in a baby seat inside a sweltering daycare centre bus has spoken about the tragedy.
Police & Courts
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No blame. No anger. Just “Sorry Business”.
Family of the three-year-old boy left to die on a hot bus in Cairns today broke their silence on the inexplicable tragedy.
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His Uncle Nick, in a prepared statement at Cairns Police Station, told of their difficult, distressing and unprecedented grief.
But, with an admirable grace and heartfelt thanks, he also shared the family’s gratitude for all the support, love and prayers from the wider community.
“As you can imagine the sudden loss of our little boy has been distressing for the family,” the family elder said.
“It has left many of us with the difficult task of trying to come to terms with his loss.’’
Two daycare workers yesterday faced court charged with manslaughter after the boy was allegedly forgotten – strapped into a baby seat – for six hours in a minibus in south Cairns last Tuesday, as the heat outside soared to 36 degrees.
Uncle Nick, who did not offer a surname, told how under Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custom he would not speak the name of the dead child.
“For cultural reasons I won’t say his name.
“He was a three-year-old boy who was deeply connected to his siblings, his peers and older children. He played a big part in a very close-knit family.
“At present our families are working through a difficult time in our lives, but supporting, encouraging and looking out for each other.”
He told how it was an unprecedented incident for his family that had been deeply felt by many in the larger community.
“That’s been demonstrated by the support our families have received and we’d like to thank everyone for their help, their love and their prayers.
“So from our family, a big thank you.”
He also paid tribute to the work of Cairns Child Investigation Protection Unit officers
Detective Alan Thomas, and Detective Senior-Sergeant Mick Gooiker for their support and guidance.
“From an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective and culturally speaking our family is now in Sorry Business.”
Edmonton Goodstart Early Learning centre manager Michael Glenn Lewis, 45, and staffer Dionne Batrice Grills, 34, have both been released on bail to reappear for committal mention in Cairns Magistrates Court on March 18.
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