Family shattered over girl's battery death
The family of the little girl who died after swallowing a lithium battery is struggling to terms with her death.
Summer Steer, from Tewantin on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, died after being taken to a hospital on Sunday with stomach bleeding.
Parents Brad and Andrea have urged others to remain vigilant, warning that what happened to Summer could happen to anyone.
"Sadly what occurred could have happened to anyone with small children, and we sincerely hope that this tragedy will act as a warning to all parents," Summer's parents said in a statement.
"Remain vigilant, and if you are in any doubt seek medical assistance immediately."
Grieving family and friends told News Limited how Summer had a big personality and was always on the go.
Andrea's best friend Kelly Trevor said she was constantly on the go.
"TV wasn't her thing. She'd rather be riding the bike dancing or just running around," she said.
Andrea said Summer was close to her older brother Finn, seven, and they would spend hours building cubby houses and hosting picnics under the kitchen table.
She was a thinker who sometimes knew a bit too much. She loved art and craft and would fashion cards and gifts for people with cardboard and decorations.
Children at Tewantin Early Learning Centre, where Summer was due to graduate from this year, are expected to prepare colourful paintings to help cope with the loss of their classmate.
Friends say they have no idea when Summer would have swallowed the battery, and it is not known where it came from.
Summer was taken to hospital after falling ill but the presence of the battery only became apparent after scans were taken.
The button-shaped batteries are found in many common household items and if swallowed they can get caught in the oesophagus and burn a hole.
The chemical reaction is triggered by the body's saliva and can keep burning through various layers of tissue organs right through to the spine.
The family has thanked staff and the helicopter crew who helped treat Summer at the Noosa and Royal Brisbane and Women's hospitals.
They said Summer was extremely brave all the way through her ordeal and hoped her memory would live on to prevent this tragedy happening to any other family.
"If Summer's tragedy can even save one life, the job's done," said her dad.
"We will love and miss her so much."
