A heart-wrenching incident has shaken a community in Mooroopna, 181km north of Melbourne, after a 10-year-old boy named Bentley died in a tragic accident on Sunday afternoon.
Bentley was playing a game of hide-and-seek with his friends at a home on Gange St when he took his mother’s car keys and climbed into the boot of the car.
A Desperate Search and a Tragic Discovery
When Bentley’s mother realized her keys were missing, she rushed outside to search for them. What she found was every parent’s worst nightmare: her son’s lifeless body trapped in the car boot. Bloodcurdling screams echoed down the street as the community came to terms with the devastating news.
Emergency Services Rush to the Scene
Emergency services were quickly called to the scene, where they performed CPR on Bentley. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to save the young boy’s life. It’s believed that Bentley suffered a suspected heart attack, which may have been triggered by the extreme heat inside the car.
The Dangers of Playing in Cars
On Sunday, the temperature in Mooroopna reached a scorching 35.5C. What many people may not realize is that the temperature inside a car can climb up to 70% higher than outside in just an hour. This can create a deadly environment, especially for children who may not understand the risks of playing in cars.
Remembering Bentley: A Shining Star with an Inquisitive Mind
Bentley’s family and friends have remembered him as a “shining star” with an “inquisitive” mind. He loved cars and was an avid Minecraft enthusiast. The neurodiverse boy’s tragic passing has left a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Plea
Bentley’s aunt, Lainey, has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise $20,000 for his funeral expenses. In a heartbreaking post, she wrote, “Our world stopped. As a family, our hearts are broken as we try to find some sense in a place that no longer feels whole.” The family is still reeling from the loss of Bentley’s grandmother, who passed away just two weeks prior to the tragedy.
A Community in Mourning
Neighbors and locals have expressed their condolences, remembering Bentley as a “beautiful boy” and “a gorgeous soul.” One neighbor said, “Kids in cars is not a good mix. This tragedy is very sad, especially so close to Christmas.” A friend of the family added, “This was purely a horrific accident that we all wish never occurred.”
Investigation Ongoing
The circumstances surrounding Bentley’s death are still being investigated, but police have confirmed that they are not treating the incident as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.