Two young cousins died after their ATV crashed into a deep swimming hole.
The victims were identified as Eddie, from Auckland, and six-year-old Sonny, from Perth.
They were on holiday at a property at Fern Flat Rd., Peria, when the accident happened on Friday, July 19.
According to a post on a family member’s Facebook page, the vehicle hit a boulder and entered a deep pool of water.
The bodies of the two cousins were recovered from the pool on Saturday.
The incident occurred during the day when six people were riding on the ATV. Only four of them were able to get out of the water.
Four of the injured individuals were taken to a hospital due to their injuries.
Emergency services, including a helicopter, were able to reach the location of the accident and retrieve the boys.
The family thanked the emergency services for their assistance.
The police also referred to a type of protection practice known as a rahui, which was implemented in the area.
The police noted that the rahui served as a way to protect the deceased and allow the area to regenerate.
Family members also posted tributes to the boys on social media. They called them “two little bright sparks.”
In her post, the mother wrote that their hearts are broken and that they will never be able to see them again.
She urged the boys to fly free and experience the butterflies and grasshoppers. She also said that they will be a ray of sunshine in their lives.
Eddie was described as a delightful little boy who was known for his cheerful personality and full of adventure. He would light up any room he visited.