Toddler given private farewell

WHITE Rock baby Makavelii Leoni has been farewelled at a private funeral in Cairns yesterday.

Mourners gathered at Cairns Funeral Directors on Pease St from 10am to say their last goodbyes to the toddler.

Makavelii was found unresponsive at a White Rock home on September 24 before dying on his way to hospital.

It is understood the 13month-old’s body will be cremated.

His estranged parents Lina Daley and Brendan Leoni will share their son’s ashes.

Earlier this week, Makavelii’s aunt, Emily Thomas, shared a personal goodbye written to her nephew with the Cairns Post.

“When your little soul left the Earth and you grew beautiful little wings and went to heaven, it wasn’t meant to be, but now we know you’re free and have these little wings to fly as high as you please,” a heartbroken Ms Thomas said.

“I wish I could have one last little hold … as the days pass and the nights go by I’ll look up at the dark blue sky to say goodnight to the star that’s shining most bright – we’ll know it’s you.”

The toddler’s tiny body was released by the State Coroner on December 7.

Police have confirmed they are investigating Makavelii’s death to determine whether to lay any charges against Ms Daley.

The infant’s father missed a court appearance to attend the service.

Mr Leoni was listed to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on unrelated charges.

The court heard Mr Leoni was at the funeral but his lawyer was not made aware of the service.

Magistrate Joe Pinder adjourned the case until January 15 and he has been told he must appear in person.

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