Boy, 7, killed after being crushed between two cars as he changed his boots following game
A SEVEN-year-old boy died after being crushed in a car park as he was changing out of his boots following a rugby match.
Alfie Tollett had just watched his brother play at his local club and was putting his shoes back on when he got wedged between two vehicles, an inquest heard.
A statement on behalf of the coroner Ian Arrow outlined the freak incident in Plymouth, Devon, last month.
It revealed an electric vehicle had been struggling to park and “shunted” another parked car at Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club into Alfie, which caused the fatal crush.
The statement read: “(Alfie) was stood at the rear of the family car changing his boots for his shoes after watching his brother play rugby.
“A stationary vehicle parked behind the family vehicle was then struck by another electrically propelled vehicle that was attempting to park.
“This vehicle has shunted forward the parked vehicle and crushed Alfie between the two vehicles.
“Alfie was conveyed to Derriford Hospital, but sadly passed away.”
His official cause of death was given at the short hearing as blunt force traumatic chest injuries.
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and any dashcam footage of the tragedy.
A 55-year-old man arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving has been released on bail until May.
Tributes have poured in for little Alfie following the incident on February 19.
In a statement released in the days after his death, his family said: “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.
“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.”
‘PRECIOUS LITTLE MAN’
Plymstock Oaks RFC, where Alfie was a member, said on Facebook: “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: “Officers continue to make enquiries to establish the circumstances of the collision, which happened at around 11.10am on Wembury Road, near the Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club.
“A 55-year-old man from Plymouth was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.
“He has been released on police bail to return on May 20.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact cops on 101 quoting reference number 50230040392.