Boy, 7, crushed to death between cars after watching rugby match
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy died after being crushed in a car park after a rugby match as he was changing out of his boots.
Alfie Tollett had just watched his brother play in a match at Plymstock Albion Oaks RFC in Plymouth, Devon, and was putting his shoes back on when he got wedged between two cars, a coroner heard.
At the opening of his inquest, a statement on behalf of Ian Arrow, the coroner, outlined the freak incident that led to Alfie’s death. He revealed that an electric vehicle had been struggling to park and “shunted” another parked car into Alfie that caused the fatal crush.
Police said he sustained serious injuries and was taken to Derriford Hospital where he was pronounced dead about an hour after the incident on Feb 19.
His official cause of death was given as blunt force traumatic chest injuries.
A 55-year-old man arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving has been released on bail until May, while police appealed for witnesses and nearby dashcam footage.
In a statement released in the days after Alfie’s death, his family said: “This has to be one of the hardest things we have had to do as a family.
“On Sunday, our precious little Alfie was involved in a horrible incident where sadly he lost his life.
“This has left a massive hole in our whole family. Our Alfie was not just our son and brother, but also a grandson, a cousin, a nephew and a friend to so many people. He was our special cheeky, funny and precious little man. Our hearts are completely broken. We are so numb and are struggling to understand why this has happened.
“We would like to thank you for the kind words of support we have received. To our Alfie moos, we miss you sweetheart and we will never ever forget you. Fly high our baby.
“Thank you for the best seven years of our lives. All our love Mummy, Daddy, Jack and Teddy. X”
Paying tribute on Facebook, Plymstock Oaks RFC, where Alfie was a member, said: ‘It is with deep shock and sadness that we regret to inform you of the tragic loss of a young life of one of our own today.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and their friends during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
Devon and Cornwall Police said that its officers are continuing “to make inquiries to establish the circumstances of the collision”.