THE Barellan community is in shock following the death of a seven-year-old boy after a quad bike accident on Sunday afternoon.
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It has been a tragic start to the year for the small community, which was still in mourning following the death of Micheal Irvin, who passed away in a double fatal truck accident near Whitton on January 3.
The community will now once again rally behind each other following the death of the young boy, who was riding the quad bike on a property on Irvin Road with a nine-year-old boy as a pillion passenger.
Police have been told the pair took a turn on the bike when they fell off, causing the bike to fall onto the younger boy.
Emergency services were called and the seven-year-old was taken to Griffith Base Hospital, before being airlifted to Canberra Hospital, where he later passed away.
It is believed the young boy was also a twin.
Beth Preston has lived in Barellan for many years and fought back tears when recalling her memories of the young boy and his family.
“It’s just so tragic and horrible,” she said.
“I’ve seen him grow up since he was a little baby.
“His family are just so lovely and the nicest people you will find.
“It’s heartbreaking for them.
“It’s just going to hit every one so hard.
“He went to school at Barellan Central, so all the kids there are going to find it tough.
“We know that Barellan will rally behind the family and each other.
“It’s what we do.”
Officers from Leeton and the wider Griffith Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene.
Paramedics from Leeton were also among the first on the scene.
The bike was seized for forensic examination.
A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
Mrs Preston was certain the Barellan and wider community would be doing what they could for the family.
“It’s just so hard to believe,” she said.
“We heard yesterday (Sunday) afternoon that there had been accident and we couldn’t believe it then.
“To hear he has passed away … I’ve been in tears all morning.
“It’s not just the immediate family that will be affected by this.
“All of the community will be.”
