Small Southern Downs community of Yelarbon left heartbroken by 5yo boy’s tragic drowning in dam

A tight-knit Southern Downs community has been left heartbroken by the five-year-old’s sudden death, with hundreds of tributes offering love and support to his family.

Tributes have flown for the five-year-old boy who tragically drowned in a dam, with his death leaving the tight-knit Yelarbon community heartbroken. Picture: Dafinchi / iStock

The sudden and tragic drowning of a five-year-old boy has left a small, tight-knit Southern Downs community reeling with shock and devastation.

The little boy was pulled from a dam on a Yelarbon Kurumbul Road property just after 6pm on Sunday.

Paramedics performed CPR on the child and an emergency helicopter was called in, but the boy sadly died at the scene.

He is yet to be publicly identified.

It took only hours for news of the little boy’s tragic death to spread through the tiny town of Yelarbon, with the shock and despair quickly spreading to neighbouring town Goondiwindi and the wider Southern Downs.

Goondiwindi Mayor Lawrence Springborg told the Daily News there were “only so many things you could say” in the face of such devastating loss.

“We’re just thinking of the family very much and offering them as much support as we can, as is the community,” Cr Springborg said.

“We’re dealing with close-knit communities where people are very much linked, and obviously these things impact communities.

“As individuals and collectively, people are offering any support they can.”

Hundreds of residents from Yelarbon and neighbouring communities took to social media to share their tributes to the little boy.

“There are never the right words for the loss of a child. Rest in peace little one, you got angel wings but way too soon,” resident Jodie Rabbitt said.

“How absolutely devastating for his family, friends, and the Yelarbon community. Sending love to all,” fellow resident Nita Lawson wrote.

“The saddest news for another family to deal with for evermore. Thoughts are with the family at this tragic time,” Shayne Baker added.

Dozens also shared their concern for the first responders who tried desperately to save the boy’s life.

“Condolences to the family and let’s hope the responding paramedics and emergency services personnel get the support and debrief they need,” resident Peter Solomon wrote.

“Very sad for the family and emergency services,” Garry David O’Brien added.

Police are not treating the little boy’s death as suspicious.

Originally published as Small Southern Downs community of Yelarbon left heartbroken by 5yo boy’s tragic drowning in dam