Source : Perth Now news
A Sunshine Coast family’s unbearable loss has prompted an outpouring of support, with thousands of dollars raised in just 48 hours after toddler Elijah Gosden was killed in a tragic accident.
More than $25,000 had been donated by Thursday morning as friends, strangers and members of the wider community rallied around Elijah’s loved ones following the incident at a private property in Sippy Downs.
Emergency services were called to a private address in Sippy Downs about 4.30pm on Monday following a vehicle and pedestrian incident near Scholars Drive.
The Queensland Ambulance Service said the toddler was assessed in a “life-threatening condition” with significant traumatic injuries.
Tragically, he could not be saved.
A GoFundMe created for the Gosden family had reached $27,400 by Thursday afternoon, as messages of sympathy and support continued to pour in online.
The fundraiser, launched by Teagan Elliott, said Elijah was “tragically taken from his family in a devastating accident” and described the anguish now facing his parents and siblings.
“No parent should ever have to experience the pain of losing their precious child, and there are simply no words that can truly describe the heartbreak his family is going through right now,” Ms Elliott wrote.
“Elijah was a beautiful little boy whose life was taken far too soon.”
Ms Elliott said the appeal would help relieve some of the immediate financial pressure on the family, covering costs such as the funeral, time away from work and household expenses so they could focus on grieving together and farewelling their son.
Local councillor Christian Dickson said the news was distressing.
“This is devastating for the family,’’ Mr Dickson said.
“As a father with a toddler, this hits home and makes you hold your loved one’s tighter.
“Thinking of those involved in this difficult time.”
