Darwin school rally around family after four-year-old daughter killed by falling palm tree
In response to the tragedy, over $75,000 has been raised to help support Lua Valles-Garcia’s family.
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A school is rallying support for a Darwin family after their four-year-old daughter was killed in their garden by a falling palm tree.
Little Lua Valles-Garcia was playing in the family’s yard on July 19 when she was struck by the tree.
Although emergency services attended, she died before they could reach Royal Darwin Hospital.
An 11-year-old boy was also hit by the tree but suffered non life-threatening injuries.
The tragic incident has left many in the Darwin and Milkwood Steiner School community, the school Lua attended and where her mum Soraya works as a teacher, shaken.
In order to try and support the family as they wrestle with “unfathomable grief”, principal of Milkwood Steiner School, Netanela Mizrahi, has launched a fundraising campaign.
Paying tribute to Lua’s “beautiful soul”, the page said it is hoped the funds will help the family be surrounded by comfort at this time.
“The whole family are deeply loved by our community, and we are carrying them in our hearts,” the statement reads.
“Thank you to our loving community for your generosity – nothing can change the devastating news but every bit helps this family to be where they need to be at this time of profound grief.
“May her beautiful soul rest in peace and her family be surrounded by love, healing and care in this difficult time ahead.”
Reaching over $75,000 in two days since the page was launched, the GoFundMe page states the money will help with funeral arrangements and allow Lua’s family to be with their extended family in Spain as they grieve.
The fundraiser has been shared widely online to help raise awareness and funds.
Milkwood Steiner School’s sister school in Alice Springs also shared the link with a statement online with a “heavy heart”.
“Over the weekend, the Milkwood Steiner School Darwin community in Darwin was devastated by the sudden and heartbreaking death of Lua Valles-Garcia, the four-and-a-half-year-old daughter of Class 1 teacher Soraya Garcia,” they stated.
“Soraya and Borja (her father) wish to return to their homeland of Spain to be with extended family as they grieve and begin to heal.
“In times of sorrow, the strength and compassion of our community shines brightest.
“Please donate if you can and thank you for holding this family in your thoughts and hearts.”
When authorities released a statement regarding the incident on July 19, NT Police said they did not believe the death to be suspicious.
“Investigations are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the coroner,” an NT Police spokesperson said.
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