A community is mourning the death of Daemarius Appo, an 11-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a car in the Moulden Supermarket in Darwin on Tuesday.
According to police, the child was hit by a ute that had “lurched forward” out of its parking space.
The driver of the vehicle that hit the boy remained at the scene and contacted the police. A fundraising page for the boy’s family was established by a local community group.
It said the child was on his way to visit his sick grandfather in Darwin when he was killed.
The tribute for Dae Dae described him as a beautiful boy who was full of kindness. He was the eldest of six children and was known for his clever and energetic personality.
He was a big Cowboys fan, and he would often join his siblings in playing backyard rugby.
The family of Dae Dae is struggling with the unimaginable grief and costs associated with his death. To help them get through this difficult time, the community is asked to donate whatever they can.
The staff and customers of the Moulden supermarket tried their best to save the boy, but he was not able to survive. Multiple emergency services also attended the scene, including police officers and paramedics.
According to Brendan Lindner of the Major Crash Investigations Unit, the incident happened as many people were in the car park at the time.
However, they have not been able to determine why the vehicle suddenly moved forward and hit the boy.
The vehicle had reportedly lurched forward a couple of meters across the walkway. It pinned the boy against the wall, and he suffered “horrific” injuries.
The driver, who was not charged, had reportedly tested positive for drugs. Sgt. Lindner said that the driver would have to speak to the police once the results of the blood samples were returned.
