Fundraiser for Old Bar toddler Oliver Koch crushed to death by sporting equipment at oval

The coastal community of Old Bar has rallied around a local family after the shocking death of their two-year-old at a local oval where he was crushed to death by sporting equipment.

Oliver Koch was killed on Sunday, January 28, when sports equipment fell on him at a sports oval in Old Bar on the NSW Mid-North Coast.

The tight-knit coastal community of Old Bar is rallying around the Koch family after the shocking death of their two-year-old boy Oliver.

He was killed on Sunday afternoon after sporting equipment fell on him at the EG Trad Sportsground on Albatross Way about 2pm.

“The child’s father called for help with people nearby coming to assist with CPR, however, the child died a short time later,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

Family friend Kerrie Johnson has organised a GoFundMe campaign, which raised more than $23,500 in less than 24 hours after it was created.

“Thank you all so much for your generosity and support for the family, I know they are so grateful,” she posted on a local Facebook community forum.

Tributes for Oliver Koch at EG Trad oval at Old Bar.

Flowers and tributes for Oliver Koch.

The Old Bar community shows their support for the Koch family, adding their hand prints to a large banner at the oval where Oliver died on Sunday, January 28.

Some community members have suggested donating meals for the family but Ms Johnson says vouchers would be preferred.

These are being collected at the Old Bar Tavern.

“Please pop it in an envelope with your name on it, so the family knows who it is from.

“I will then deliver them to the family at an appropriate time,” Ms Johnson said.

Fellow local Dan Ford, who is associated with Old Bar Clams Rugby Club who train and play at the oval, has congratulated Ms Johnson for organising the support efforts.

“The response already has been amazing and I’m certain it will be so appreciated by the family.

The EG Trad Sportsground at Old Bar where a toddler was crushed to death on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Picture: Janine Watson.

“I’ve got no hesitation in saying thank you on behalf of The Clams family, and also thank you to our amazing community for the support you have all showed, it is truly brilliant.”

On the afternoon after the tragedy family members gathered at the oval to lay flowers but declined to comment.

The Clams Rugby Club has been contacted for comment.

The fields are managed by MidCoast Council and they have declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation.

Police will prepare a report for the NSW Coroner.