"Cheeky and playful": Five-year-old remembered after being killed by parking meter

Tributes have poured in for a five-year-old boy who was tragically crushed by a parking meter at a museum in Western Australia. 

Paramedics were called following reports the five-year-old, known as Sammy, had been critically injured by the disused parking meter outside the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre, about 170km south of Perth, on January 15th.

Sammy was airlifted to Perth Children’s Hospital where he later died from his injuries. 

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.”

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

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.

City of Bunbury chief executive Alan Ferris told the ABC the city would work closely with authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, as an investigation into the incident remains ongoing. 

Image credits: Nine

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