'Loving' boy injured in Victorian carnival ride dies four days later
A six-year-old boy who was injured when he was flung from a carnival ride in Victoria has died, leaving his devastated parents unable to imagine a world without him.
Eugene Mahauariki was injured at a carnival in Rye, on the Mornington Peninsula, on Easter Monday.
The Dromana boy fell from the Cha Cha ride that was operating after the carnival had closed to the public, about 5.15pm.
He was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital with serious head and hand injuries, where he died last night, the family said in a statement on Saturday.
Ride operator Wittingslow Amusements, confirming the victim is the son of one of its employees, last week said its priority was the family of the young boy.
Investigators are looking into whether the child was tall enough to be on it and if the operator was properly qualified.
His distraught parents said Eugene would always be remembered as a loving boy who brought so much joy and happiness in his short life.
"Last night we said a sad farewell to our beautiful son Eugene Mahauariki," Tammy and Stacey Mahauariki said in a statement.
"While our hearts are broken, it is important to us that Eugene is remembered as we knew and loved him.
"Eugene was a happy, kind and caring boy and he loved nothing more than to dance.
"Eugene was loved by so many people and he brought us, his brother and four sisters, extended family, friends and community so much joy and happiness in his short life."
They described Eugene as an energetic boy who loved playing with his siblings and two dogs.
"We could not have been more proud of him and cannot imagine our world without him."
The family thanked the staff at The Royal Children’s Hospital and those who have shown the Mahauarikis support following the tragedy.
