Tragic farm accident claims life of four-year-old boy (original) (raw)

A tragedy unfolded when four year old Maldwyn "Gwern" Evans suffered fatal head injuries after an incident involving a vintage garden roller, as revealed during an inquest. His family remembered him as a "keen little farmer" with a "captivating personality".

The boy was found lifeless on 20 June in the garden of his home at Tynreithin farm in Wales.

At the Aberystwyth inquest, Coroner Peter Brunton stated it was a lamentable accident beyond "there was no human control", labelling it a "personal tragedy of immense significance".

First responders were dispatched to the scene near Tregaron at around 4.30pm.

Upon the arrival of the air ambulance at 4.47pm, Gwern was discovered on the patio, having sustained a traumatic cardiac arrest from extreme brain trauma.

Gwern's mum Sian Eleri Evans' statement indicated that no one witnessed the event.

Relaying the statement, the coroner depicted a normal afternoon where the children came home from school at 3.55pm, enjoyed tea and ice creams outside, until Gwern's sister returned indoors alone.

The mother's words continued: "As I was in the kitchen I heard a thud and instantly thought it'd been the roller and ran out.."

"I had never seen Gwern play with the roller before but he was quite inquisitive."

Thinking of her son's character, she reasoned, "I can imagine he thought he was rolling a field."

She reflected on Gwern's nature: "He was strong and determined and if he wanted to do something I could imagine he would have got it moving."

"He hadn't seen us using it before but seen other machinery used on the farm."

the father commented regarding his son's unintended encounter with a Victorian cast-iron handmade garden roller, which had adorned their garden for two years prior to the tragic event.

Despite emergency services' attempts at resuscitation, young Gwern was unresponsive at the scene.

The coroner determined that Gwern likely pushed the hefty garden roller from behind and, as it began to descend the garden slope, was carried along with it.

The coroner deduced that Gwern was toppled over by the roller as it hit the patio floor, whereupon he struck his head on the concrete.

During the inquest, Mrs Evans expressed her profound sorrow: "The loss is unimaginable, not only for myself, his father and sister but to my wider family and friends."

She also spoke of the community's remembrance: "This is shown in the fundraising done in his name to go to the Welsh Air Ambulance and his school to create a school farm."

The coroner postulated: "On the balance of probabilities Gwern had indeed been able to push the roller from behind using the handle like anyone else would."

He speculated about the moments leading to the tragedy: "The supposition must be that Gwern held onto it, possibly realising what was going on... Had he let go we may not be here this afternoon."

Reflecting on Gwern's actions, he suggested: "His pluckiness therefore may have played a hand in this."

In concluding remarks, the coroner shared heartfelt words with the family: "The loss of a child is the most devastating thing that can happen to a parent."

"It is every parent's nightmare to outlive your children."

To the family, he offered: "I can only offer you my most profound condolences and sympathies."

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