The parents of 13-year-old Blayde Pettitt have paid tribute to their “kind, funny and caring” son after he died from injuries sustained in a fatal e-scooter crash in Childers, Queensland.
Blayde suffered serious head injuries in the single-vehicle collision on Macrossan Street shortly after 6pm on Wednesday, August 26. Paramedics performed CPR at the scene before he was flown to Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane in a critical condition.
He died in hospital days later with his family and loved ones by his side.
His parents said their son was an “old soul” who had “the biggest heart” and loved spending time with his friends.
“He was the sweetest boy who loved and cared for everyone, and he truly loved living life,” they said.
A fundraising appeal established by family friend Kelly Smith said Blayde had been at McDonald’s with friends when an older boy allegedly allowed him to ride a modified e-scooter.
The appeal described the scooter as being “way too powerful for a child so young”. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by Queensland Police.
Blayde’s mother said the family’s lives had changed within minutes after he left home to meet his friends.
“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,” she said.
“He had borrowed his friend’s scooter and he never came home.
“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.”
Police said they believed Blayde was wearing a helmet, although an officer involved in the initial response said the events leading up to the crash were not yet clear.
His parents said they had taken comfort from the decision to donate his organs, allowing their son’s generosity to help others after his death.
“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.”
The family thanked the emergency workers, police officers, Childers residents and Queensland Children’s Hospital staff who tried to save him.
“You all went beyond to help him,” they said.
The fundraising appeal was launched to help ease the unexpected cost of Blayde’s funeral, as his parents prepare to lay their son to rest.
Queensland introduced further e-mobility restrictions on August 31, including a requirement for riders to be at least 16 and hold a licence to ride alone. Children aged between 12 and 17 without a learner licence may ride only under parental supervision.
Blayde’s parents said in their final tribute: “We all love you so much, Blayde. You will be sadly missed.”
“Forever 13, our sweet boy.”
