Grandmother of Bentley Hilton claims police 'kept family in the dark' over boy's death
The grieving grandmother of Bentley Hilton claims police 'kept the family in the dark' over boy's death after he drowned while trapped inside a car that slid into the Hawkesbury River.
Kacey-Lee Bainbridge called on NSW Police for more information and the boy's mother Lauren Hilton claimed she had not been allowed to see her son's body.
Bentley Hilton, 4, was strapped into a car when it suddenly slipped into a NSW river. Photo: 7 News
Bentley's grandfather and father reportedly tried to rescue him but the car was swept away. Photo: Supplied
Bentley was described by his mum as the 'apple of my eye' and a ‘bright little boy’ after the four-year-old's tragic death.
News Corp reports that Mrs Bainbridge was furious her daughter was not told about her son's death until Sunday afternoon.
Bentley's mother Lauren. Photo: 7 News
Bentley's grandmother Kacey-Lee Bainbridge. Photo: 7 News
“They are keeping us all in the dark and it is very upsetting,’’ the distraught grandmother said.
Photo: 7News
Photo: 7News
She added: "He died in the morning and we weren’t told until the afternoon. We haven’t even been able to go see his body.
"I am suspicious police won’t talk to us because I think there is more going on with this than there appears.”
Speaking to 7 News on Monday Ms Hilton said: "When I found out I just broke down in tears, there was nothing more I could say.
"My whole heart goes out to my son, when he was born he was the apple of my eye.
"Last night I tried to close my eyes and all I saw was him yelling out for help."
His grandmother added: "He will be missed, he will never be forgotten, we just want answers."
Four-year-old Bentley Hilton was reportedly in a car with his grandfather, who police say was reversing a boat and trailer into the Hawkesbury River, when the car suddenly slid into the water on Sunday.
Family members have taken to social media posting messages about the much loved boy.
Bentley's aunt Nikita said on Facebook: "Rest in peace Aunty's little man I'll be forever missed and love for u will never be forgotten Bentley Jack Hilton."
The four-year-old's other aunt Heather Marie said: "Everyone keeps tell me that you are gone but you can't be none of this can be true your to young to leave us you have your hole life ahead of you, please just tell me they are all lying and come back to me.
"I love you so much Bentley more then you could ever imagine. So blessed to be your Aunty.
"I miss you so much please just come back.
"Your my angel now I hope your resting easy up there baby."
Bentley's grandfather and father jumped into the river and tried desperately to save the little boy, but the car quickly became submerged and was swept downstream.
Tribute collage by Bentley's aunt Heather Marie. Photo: Facebook
Divers spent Sunday afternoon searching the waters of the river, near River Rd at Lower Portland, north of Sydney.
They recovered Bentley’s body four hours later.
The little boy had been strapped into a car seat inside the Ford Falcon XR8.
Bentley with his mother Lauren. Photo: Facebook
He was found dead just before 3pm Sunday.
Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Bentley’s mother Lauren Hilton told News Corp that her son was ‘always happy to see his mum’.
“He was always happy to see his mum, see his sister and see his family,” she said.
Photo: 7News
Photo: 7News
Ms Hilton said she had last seen her son on Mother’s Day and had spoken to him on Saturday night.
“He was happy telling me about everything he was doing. We were laughing and giggling,” she said.
Police have since said Bentley’s grandfather, had left the car to unstrap a boat, which was attached to the car.
A report will be prepared for the coroner and investigations into the incident are continuing.
