Charlotte Smithers killed in Epping childcare carpark accident

The devastated father of “beautiful darling” Charlotte Smithers, struck and killed by her mother’s car in an Epping childcare centre car park, has issued a heartfelt warning to all parents.

Charlotte, 3, lost her life in the carpark of her childcare centre.

Tributes have flowed for a “beautiful princess” killed when her mother’s own car rolled on her in a childcare centre car park.

Charlotte Smithers, 3, died in the freak accident at Epping on Monday, which also injured her mother.

“Memories full of love, hearts full of sorrow, hoping and wishing for one more tomorrow, our special angel from above,” one tribute read.

“RIP beautiful girl, forever in our hearts,” reads a GoFundMe page set up to help Charlotte’s family pay for her funeral before a family member stepped in to cover the cost.

Page creator Hannah Sky­ring said Charlotte was a “beautiful princess” killed in what was a tragic accident.

Charlotte, 3, was remembered as a “beautiful princess”.

Charlotte’s father, Adam, told Seven News last night: “I just want to say thank you to everyone who has given their condolences in this extremely painful last 24 hours.

“Please everyone, turn your cars off while your kids are around.”

Charlotte’s mother, 26, was attending to another child in the back seat of her car when it rolled backwards, hitting her and Charlotte, who died at the scene.

Exactly what caused the car to reverse is still subject to police investigation.

Flowers, toys and balloons were placed at Kiddy Palace in Epping, where the accident happened, by mourners.

Toys and flowers at the scene of the tragic incident. Picture: David Crosling

Amber, 10, places a toy at the scene. Picture: David Crosling

The childcare centre was closed and distraught staff shared hugs and consoled each other, as distressed neighbours visited to pay their respects.

Carrie Hartley and daughter Amber Hartley-Schofield, who live next door, said they were shattered by the death. They left a teddy bear and flowers at the centre.

“If that happened to anyone in my family, I would be heartbroken,” Amber, 10, said.

Carrie Hartley said there were loud screams at the centre followed by a rush of emergency services sirens.

Staff of the childcare centre gather to reflect at a makeshift memorial in front of the centre. Picture: David Crosling

Police at the scene late yesterday. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Distraught staff members gathered at the front of the Epping childcare centre where Charlotte was struck and killed. Picture: Josh Fagan

Police at the scene on Monday night. Picture: Wayne Taylor

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“We heard something, it was really weird. I don’t know if it was a car rolling, it was something, then we heard screaming,” Ms Hartley said.

“We had a look over and there were just people everywhere. It was just chaos. It’s very sad.”

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

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