What should have been the thrill of his life, actually took his life.
Raised in Dromana, six year old Eugene Mahauariki lost his fight for life, in the Royal Children’s Hospital on Friday after being thrown from his seat as he enjoyed the rotations of the Cha-Cha ride.
Eugene was the son of a Wittingslow Amusements worker, which supplies the rides to the Rye Carnival. It was whilst Eugene was on a ride known as the Cha-Cha that he somehow fell through the barrier, landing head first on the ground below. Paramedics were contacted and arrived at the scene at about 5.15pm. Eugene suffered a foot and critical head injuries in the fall and an hour later was flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital where doctors faught to save his life. It is understood that his mother witnessed the whole incident.
Worksafe Victoria is investigating whether safety procedures were breached as it was reported the incident occurred after the carnival had closed for the day. There have been no reports of other people being thrown off or coming unstuck.
After sighting the conditions associated with the operation of that particular ride, it states you must be 130cm tall to fit safely into the seat and its restraint. So for now Worksafe Australia need to work out if Eugene in fact did meet that height requirement before he was flung clear from both his seat and from the ride itself.
On Friday a statement issued through the Royal Children’s Hospital, by his Mother Tammy and Father Stacey, confirmed their son’s passing.
“Last night we said farewell to our beautiful son Eugene Mahauariki. While our hearts are broken, it is important to us the 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 love 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. We could not have been more proud of him and cannot imagine our world without him. We ask the media to respect our privacy as we mourn and grieve for Eugene”.
The Wittingslow family also released a statement sending their condolences to the family and friends of the Mahauariki family.
“Our hearts and sincerest thoughts remain firmly with his family at this sad time, as well as their friends and extended family here and in New Zealand. We grieve with them and we are doing everything we can to ensure everyone gets the support they need”.
The statement also thanked the community for their continued support.
“We would like to thank the community who have offered overwhelming support to the family and to our staff during this difficult time. Our sincere thoughts are also with the first responders on the scene of the accident, as well as other guests and Wittingslow carnival staff. The family have asked for privacy to mourn Eugene”.
