Aussie toddler killed by dad in tragic ride-on lawn mower accident

A three-year-old boy has died after accidentally being struck by a ride-on lawn mower that was being driven by his father at their home, in what police have described as an "unusual" tragedy.

Maddox was rushed to hospital on the NSW far south coast on Saturday where he later died from "catastrophic" injuries.

Authorities were called to Pambula District Hospital just after 12.30 pm after the child was brought in with severe injuries. A police spokesperson said the father "reversed over the poor child" at their property in South Pambula, south-east of Bega.

"He didn't see him," they said.

Paramedics attended the scene but police say the child suffered catastrophic injuries "not compatible with life" after being hit with the mower blades. Resuscitation attempts at the hospital were unsuccessful.

Devastated family remember 'energetic and happy toddler'

A friend of the family has described Maddox as an "energetic and happy toddler" whose life was "tragically short". In a GoFundMe page set up for the family, Jessica Porter said "Maddox made a huge impression on everyone he met".

"His family have many beautiful memories to cherish and recall his cheeky personality and would like to provide Maddox with a memorial that honours these memories," she wrote. "Maddox loved the colour blue and painting his nails with his big sisters, so in celebration of his life we ask that all attending the memorial when it is announced wear something blue and paint your nails pink for Maddox!"

The family is hoping to raise $20,000 for funeral expenses which will help the family, including Maddox's two older sisters, aged 5 and 9, to "give him a beautiful send of".

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Crime scenes have been established at the hospital and at South Pambula as inquiries continue. Police are not expected to lay any charges but are required to investigate such deaths to provide a report to the coroner.

"I don't think anything you could do to the father would change the way he feels unfortunately," the police spokesman said. "It's unusual, it's not a death that's caused by natural causes, so that's why we're doing what we're doing."

with AAP

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