A young teenage boy who died days after suffering critical injuries in an e-scooter crash has been remembered by his heartbroken parents as a kind and caring “old soul” whose legacy will live on through organ donation.
Blayde Pettitt, 13, suffered serious head injuries in a single-vehicle e-scooter crash in the Wide Bay-Burnett town of Childers on August 26.
Emergency crews were called to Macrossan St shortly after 6pm, where CPR was performed before he was airlifted to Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane in a critical condition.
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Blayde sadly succumbed to his injuries four days later, on August 30, with family and loved ones by his side.
In a heartbreaking statement, his parents told 7NEWS.com.au they had lost their “little soldier”.
Emergency crews were called to the scene in Childers after Blayde suffered critical injuries in an e-scooter crash. Credit: Supplied/7NEWS
“Blayde had the biggest heart. He was kind, funny, and wise beyond his years. An old soul, people would say,” they said.
“He was the sweetest boy who loved and cared for everyone, and he truly loved living life.
“He was just like any other little boy, being a boy, hanging out with his mates and having fun.”
A GoFundMe set up by family friend Kelly Smith says Blayde had been at McDonald’s with friends when an older boy allegedly gave him a turn on a modified e-scooter.
It was the kind of split-second decision many parents of teenage boys may recognise, with a quick ride on a mate’s scooter seeming harmless enough.
However, the fundraiser, launched to support his loved ones, described the e-scooter as “way too powerful for a child so young”.
Smith said Blayde came from a family of motorbike riders and had grown up around bikes.
“Blayde was a beautiful boy who everyone loved,” Smith wrote.
“He was the life of the party who lit up every room he entered and that laugh was absolutely contagious.”
His parents described how in an instant their lives changed forever.
“One minute my boy was safe at home, the next he had walked to Macca’s. Less than 20 minutes later he was involved in a serious accident,” his mum said.
“He had borrowed his friend’s scooter and he never came home.
“My life will never be the same without him. Our family is absolutely devastated.
“No parent should ever have to bury their child. He is my baby, my beautiful boy, and my heart will forever have a piece missing.”
Blayde Pettitt has been remembered by his parents as a kind, funny and caring boy who “truly loved living life”. Credit: Supplied
But amid their grief, the family found comfort in knowing Blayde would continue helping others.
“I wasn’t able to save my son’s life and we had to make the hardest decision of our life, but our boy’s kindness lives on,” they said.
“Through organ donation, Blayde is still caring for others, just like he always did.
“My son still lives on through us and them.”
The family thanked everyone who tried to help Blayde following the crash, including emergency workers, police, the Childers community and staff at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
“You all went beyond to help him,” they said.
Blayde’s parents say their son’s kindness will live on through organ donation. Credit: Supplied
The fundraiser was established to help ease the financial burden on Blayde’s parents as they prepare to lay their son to rest.
“Blayde’s sudden death has left his family absolutely heartbroken as they try to come to terms with the loss of their baby boy,” Smith wrote.
“One less thing they should have to worry about is the unexpected cost of laying their baby to rest.”
In their final tribute, Blayde’s parents said: “We all love you so much, Blayde. You will be sadly missed.”
“Forever 13, our sweet boy.”
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