Despite the desperate efforts of neighbours to save him, a young boy died after being retrieved from a lagoon.
Hundreds of people gathered in Anzac Park in Maryborough, on Queensland’s mid-north coast, after a social media callout, according to a woman involved in the hunt.
On Saturday, Kylie Nitz was there with her family when she heard a ruckus and asked her son to investigate.
He informed Ms. Nitz that a young kid from a local household had gone missing, prompting her to approach the toddler’s father and offer to assist by posting a message on social media.
According to Ms. Nitz, park goers leapt into action right away, with those around participating in the hunt.
‘So many community people of all ages were covering the entire park, riding bikes around the golf course walk, driving the streets, using their dogs… it was such a massive effort,’ she told the Fraser Coast Chronicle.
‘I prayed for a miracle to happen for them… ‘I can’t image the anguish the family is experiencing,’ she remarked.
Around 4.50 p.m., the toddler was rescued from Ululah Lagoon.
Before being brought to the hospital, the youngster was given CPR by paramedics on the scene, who were aided by police.
Investigators are still speaking with the boy’s relatives, and a report for the coroner will be written.