A sixth child has died following Tasmania's jumping castle tragedy

A sixth child, an 11-year-old boy, has died following the Hillcrest Primary School tragedy in Tasmania.

Flowers and tributes are seen outside Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania, Friday, 17 December, 2021.

Flowers and tributes are seen outside Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania, Friday, 17 December, 2021. Source: AAP

An 11-year-old boy has become the sixth fatality of Devonport's Hillcrest Primary School tragedy.

Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said Chace Harrison died in hospital on Sunday afternoon.

His death follows those of 11-year-old Addison Stewart and 12-year-olds Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones and Peter Dodt. They were formally identified on Friday with permission from their families. 

A gust of wind sent a jumping castle being played on by nine children in total 10 metres into the air during year-end celebrations at the school on Thursday.
Chace Harrison, 11, was identified as the sixth child who has died following the tragedy in Devonport.
Chace Harrison, 11, was identified as the sixth child who has died following the tragedy in Devonport. Source: Tasmania Police
Two children remain in a critical condition in Royal Hobart Hospital and one other is in recovery at home.

"It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm a sixth child has lost his life following the tragedy," Commissioner Hine told reporters in Hobart on Sunday. 

"An 11-year-old boy died this afternoon, his name is Chace Harrison. Our thoughts continue to be with his family and all other families and loved ones of the children involved."
He said the investigation into the incident in conjunction with WorkSafe Tasmania was ongoing and would be for some time.

"We are working tirelessly with all parties concerned to ensure the extensive investigation is completed as a matter of priority for the coroner," he said.

"Their priority will be to interview all witnesses, gather and analyse forensic evidence at all in biomedical aspects including weather patterns and conditions of the time of this incident."

Given the magnitude of what happened and the need to speak to a large number of children within a short period of time, Tasmanian detectives have accepted an offer of help from NSW police.

Four forensic child interviewers will travel there from Sydney over the coming days.
"I am certain all Tasmanians share with me a deep sadness and heartache that young Chace Harrison, another child involved in this terrible tragedy, has now passed away," Premier Peter Gutwein said.

"I know that our community, which is so connected, will be deeply saddened, for the family involved and indeed all the families of the now six children who have lost their lives."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Saturday for those impacted.

Some $250,000 will go to first responders involved in the aftermath of the accident and $550,000 to the broader community.

More than one million dollars has also been raised in the community to support those mourning the tragedy.

Readers seeking support can contact  on 13 11 14,  on 1300 224 636 or  on 1800 551 800. 


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3 min read
Published 19 December 2021 3:48pm
Updated 19 December 2021 4:06pm
Source: AAP, SBS



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