‘Forever young and free’: Third Hillcrest victim farewelled

Peter Dodt tried to help the other kids injured during the Hillcrest jumping castle tragedy before he himself needed urgent medical treatment, mourners were told today. TRIBUTES >>

YOUNG Peter Dodt had tried to help the other children injured in the jumping castle tragedy at Hillcrest Primary in Devonport before he himself needed urgent medical treatment, mourners at his funeral have been told.

A loud cavalcade of motorcycles heralded the start of a service to say goodbye to the third young victim of the tragedy to be formally farewelled.

Anthony Dodt father of Peter gives a fist bump to those on bikes at the funeral for his son at Mersey Gardens Chapel in Devonport. Peter died in the Hillcrest Primary School tragedy in Devonport. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Among the hundreds of mourners were paramedics who attended the horrific scene on the school oval on December 16.

Peter Dodt, 12, was described as a good-natured, “wild child” who always tried to do his best at a service at Mersey Chapel.

Peter was one of six Grade 5-6 pupils killed when a freak wind gust lifted the jumping castle and nearby zorb balls 10m into the air on December 16.

Tasmanian Jumping castle victim Peter Dodt Hillcrest Primary School Picture: Supplied

The children, who were enjoying end of year activities, fell to the ground.

Two others remain in hospital but are recovering from their injuries.

Another was lucky enough to be released in time to enjoy Christmas at home.

Mourners heard Peter had tried to help the other children who had fallen before he needed urgent medical treatment at the scene by paramedics.

Funeral for Peter Anthony Dodt at Mersey Gardens Chapel in Devonport. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

His cousin said his family was able to say goodbye and give him one last kiss in hospital because of that work by medical staff.

His mother Miranda said she could still hear her son’s voice.

“Forever young and free you’ll be, fly high and be free,” she said.

His teacher Gaye Kelly said Peter was a “firecracker” and the end of Grade 6 had been a proud moment for him.

“He was leaving on a high. He said he was the best teacher ever,” she said.

“His reputation preceded him but we got each other’s measure pretty quickly. He became a master negotiator and got a class award as such.

“But most of all Peter wanted to do his best.”

Peter lived with his dad Anthony who were described as a “dynamic duo”.

He loved “chillaxing”, camping and bonfires on the beach.

The pair also spent lots of time camping across northern Tasmania.

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff. at the funeral for Peter Anthony Dodt at Mersey Gardens Chapel in Devonport. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Anthony Dodt said Peter wanted the world but for everyone else to have what he had too.

The family also paid tribute to the other families who had lost children in the tragedy.

They also thanked the school saying they knew he was “a lot”.

“What can’t change what is but remember the character he was,” they said.

Zane Mellor and Jye Sheehan were farewelled before Christmas while Jalailah Jones will be put to rest on Thursday.

The short lives of both Chace Harrison and Addison Stewart will be celebrated on Friday.