‘Wise beyond his years’: Heartbreaking tribute as young boy killed by parking meter in Bunbury, WA named

A boy who died in hospital after being crushed by a disused parking meter is being remembered as someone who “brought so much joy”.

A young boy who died after being fatally crushed by a parking meter in Western Australia’s largest regional city has been identified - with tributes pouring in for the family.

Paramedics were called following reports the five-year-old, known as Sammy, had been seriously injured on Arthur St in Bunbury, about 170km south of Perth, shortly after 10.30am on January 15.

The incident unfolded outside the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre.

Sammy was rushed to Bunbury Hospital before he was flown by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to Perth’s Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.

Sammy died after a parking meter fell on him in Bunbury. Picture: Supplied

West Australian Police have since confirmed the child died in hospital two days later on Friday.

In a statement, Sammy’s family thanked everyone for their support following the death of the young boy who “brought so much joy”.

“We are so grateful for the support that we have received from family, friends and the general public,” the family said.

“We would also like to acknowledge the support from the staff at the museum, first responders and the care given to Sammy at the BRH and PCH, which was so loving and respectful.

“Sammy impacted everyone he met.

“He was wise beyond his years and brought so much joy with his cheeky, playful nature.”

Sammy was outside the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre when he was injured. Picture: Supplied

A report will be prepared for the coroner, while WorkSafe WA continues to investigate the incident.

More than $21,000 has been raised by the community for the boy’s family as they come to terms with the tragedy.

The GoFundMe campaign was set up to help with ongoing expenses “during this difficult time”.

“This tragedy has deeply impacted those who know and love this family, as well as the hospital staff, colleagues, friends, and community members who have been involved,” the GoFundMe campaign said.

“No family should have to face such heartbreak while also worrying about financial burdens.

“We’re reaching out to everyone for support, no matter how small, to help ease their load.

“Let’s come together as a community and show this family they are not alone.

 “Together, we can make a difference for this family in their time of need.”

A spokesman for WorkSafe WA previously told media the boy had been hit by a disused parking meter in a courtyard at the Bunbury Museum, not the parking area.

A closed sign on the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre. Picture: ABC

In the latest Facebook post on Friday, the City of Bunbury confirmed the museum would be closed until Wednesday.

“Our thoughts continue to be with the child and family involved in the tragic incident this week,” the post read on Friday.

“We ask for everyone to take care and look out for each other.

“Out of respect for the child and family, we will not be making any further comment or providing any further details at this time.”

City of Bunbury chief executive Alan Ferris told the ABC the city would work closely with authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Originally published as ‘Wise beyond his years’: Heartbreaking tribute as young boy killed by parking meter in Bunbury, WA named