‘King of the dinosaurs’: Mum’s painful tribute to boy, 3, killed at Rockhampton Showgrounds

A heartbroken mother has shared a poignant tribute to her little boy, aged 3, after his tragic death in an accident at a showgrounds this week as more than $15,000 has been pledged to cover his funeral expenses. VIDEO, PHOTOS

Three-year-old boy Toby Allen was not just the king of his family’s hearts, he was the king of dinosaurs, according to his baby sister.

Now he is in heaven riding those toy dinosaurs after a tragic accident at the Rockhampton Showgrounds this week.

His inconsolable mum Tyana Maree Dowler has shared her grief and news of his passing with family and friends.

Speaking on behalf of Toby’s tight-knit little family, including dad Chris Allen, she paid tribute to her “beautiful little boy”.

“It’s with a heavy heart that Chris, Ella, Arlo and myself have to post this,” she posted.

“On Tuesday (June 4) our beautiful little boy Toby was unfortunately involved in a tragic accident (resulting) in his precious little life being cut short.

Young dinosaur-love Toby Allen playing before this week’s tragedy at the Rockhampton Showgrounds.

“At this point of time we are trying our hardest to get through each day and be there for what’s left of our family.

“We will try to respond to messages as we can please understand this is a very difficult time for us.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the family of three-year-old Toby Allen who tragically died after being hit by a car at the Rockhampton Showgrounds on Tuesday.

“We take solace in knowing our baby is watching us and as Ella would like to put it “he’s with all the dinosaurs he loves so much being their king and riding them”.

“We will update everyone as soon as we can with information about services and such.

“Fly high my beautiful boy. You are so loved in life and even more so in death.”

A GoFundMe has been established for Toby’s funeral costs.

Tributes for the little boy have flowed from a community in shock, with a memorial set up with toys and flowers outside Gate 8 at the showgrounds.

Toby Allen: ‘He’s with all the dinosaurs he loves so much.”

Tyana, from NSW, went on to write that their amazing “show family” had organised the GoFundMe page for Toby to help with the expenses to lay him to rest.

“Please don’t feel obligated to donate but also feel free to share,” the heartbroken mum-of-two posted.

The Rockhampton Showgrounds following the tragedy. Picture: Geordi Offord

Since the GoFundMe started by Amanda Mcpherson was launched midday on Thursday, more than $15,000 has been raised in less than 24 hours from a goal of $20,000.

Ms Mcpherson wrote on the page that “Toby’ unimaginable tragedy has left his parents devastated with two other young children to care for”.

Flowers and toys have been left at a memorial space at Gate 8 of the Rockhampton Showgrounds in tribute to a three-year-old boy who tragically died after being hit by a car. Photo: Geordi Offord

On Thursday afternoon a small memorial began to form with colourful dinosaurs, little toy cars and flowers being left in tribute to the toddler.

People are staying at the Rockhampton Showgrounds to prepare to next week’s Rocky Show and on Tuesday, emergency crews were called about 4.30pm after receiving reports a young child had been hit by a car.

Another woman was taken to Rockhampton Hospital in a stable condition but she was later discharged.

The incident is being investigated by Workplace Health and Safety with assistance from the Forensic Crash Unit.

Originally published as ‘King of the dinosaurs’: Mum’s painful tribute to boy, 3, killed at Rockhampton Showgrounds