Father’s heartbreak over son’s death as police probe continues

A father’s heartbreak over his son’s death has been revealed as police investigate whether it was a possible case of criminal neglect.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains the name and image of a person who has died.

A father’s heartfelt tribute to his dead son has come to light as authorities probe whether the boy’s death in northern Adelaide was a possible case of criminal neglect.

Seven-year-old Makai died on February 10 after being taken to the Lyell McEwin Hospital and later to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

A GoFundMe page set up by his relatives claimed the Craigmore boy complained of several stomach pains in the days leading up to his death.

His father shared his grief over his son’s death in a now-deleted Facebook post.

Police are investigating the death of a seven-year-old Craigmore boy Makai. Picture: GoFundMe

“From the bottom of my heart, I would like to show my appreciation to all that have helped and support me throughout this tragic event,’’ he posted in March.

“Words can’t really express how much (I) feel and what I really want to say to you all.’’

The post came on the day of Makai’s funeral in the new Kaurna Repatriation area at Smithfield Memorial Park.

Makai was the first person to be buried there, a situation his father called a “historic moment” that would be “the saddest for me”.

Task Force Prime, which was set up in South Australia after the death of six-year-old Charlie, is now investigating whether Makai’s death was a case of criminal neglect.

The care of his five siblings, aged between seven and 16, is also being investigated.

Makai’s father had been looking after him and his five siblings since November 2020.

South Australia Police Detective Superintendent Des Bray said on Monday the investigation began after information from child protection authorities was provided to police.

“The cause of death in itself wasn’t enough to raise concern because it was a serious, recognised health issue,” Mr Bray said.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray said Makai died from a ‘serious, recognised health issue’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

“Soon after, investigators began reviewing volumes of material and obtained an opinion from a paediatric expert.

“They formed the view that sufficient grounds existed to commence a criminal investigation of criminal neglect causing death.”

Charlie was found unresponsive in her family home in the Adelaide suburb of Munno Para on July 15 and died in Lyell McEwin Hospital of suspected malnutrition.

Charlie witnessed her father, John, stab her mother, Crystal Nowland, 46, in a drug-fuelled rage in their northern suburbs home.

Following the six-year-old’s death, the state government ordered a review of the interactions between the family and government agencies.

Premier Peter Malinauskas on Monday announced a new “wholly independent-led review” to investigate both cases.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the deaths of two children were ‘desperately heartbreaking’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

“The death of any child is something that breaks all of our hearts, particularly parents across the state,” he said.

“One was shocking, two is desperately heartbreaking.

“Two innocent children losing their lives potentially because of criminal neglect is beyond sad. But we know about it and we have to respond.”

Former SA Police commissioner Mal Hyde was appointed to lead the review.

Originally published as Father’s heartbreak over son’s death as police probe continues