Boy suffered ‘traumatic brain injury’ while playing in garden after school

A four-year-old boy has died of a traumatic brain injury while trying to push an antique roller – estimated to weigh between 50 and 60kg – in Wales, an inquest has heard.

The tragic accident happened in the boy’s family garden in Blaenesgair Farm, Tynreithin, near Tregaron on June 20.

Maldwyn “Gwern” Evans was described as a “keen little farmer” who had a “captivating personality”.

During the inquest hearing, which was held at Aberystwyth Justice Centre on October 9, it was heard how Gwern had returned home from school when the incident occurred.

The inquiry heard how the boy’s sister, after playing with him, went inside the house, while Gwern remained in the garden. His mother, who was in the kitchen, recalled hearing a sudden “thud” coming from outside.

The inquest heard how the roller “went over part of his body” with emergency services being called to the area at around 4.30pm, followed by Wales Air Ambulance personnel arriving at the property at 4.47pm.

Sadly, there was nothing they could do after CPR was carried out on Gwern, who was pronounced dead at 5.21pm.

His body was then transported to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen. Paediatric pathologist, Dr Andrew Bamber, carried out the post-mortem. According to Dr Bamber’s report, Gwern had died due to a “significant head injury”.

A consultant working for Wales Air Ambulance, who was called to the incident, said resuscitation was attempted but was not successful. The “working diagnosis” at the scene was that Gwern had suffered a traumatic cardiac arrest secondary to a traumatic brain injury.

There were no witnesses to the incident, the inquest heard. As a result, senior coroner for Ceredigion Paul Brunton cited Dr Bamber’s post-mortem in which he said he was “unable to establish” for certain how Gwern sustained the head injury.

DC Richard Taberner, who was one of the officers called to the scene and gave evidence at the inquest, said there was no evidence of a third party being present at the time of the incident, adding that at no stage was the incident thought to be suspicious and that there was no evidence of neglect identified.

Concluding the inquest, Mr Brunton described the incident as a “personal tragedy of immense significance”, WalesOnline reports. He said: “The post-mortem has established that Gwern died from a head injury that was untreatable at the scene. On the balance of probabilities Gwern had been able to push the roller from behind using the handle and he was carried forward. The supposition must be that Gwern held on to it.

“As the roller came to the patio it flipped over and the handle threw Gwern over and he hit the concrete on the patio. It’s quite clear that if Gwern had let go of that roller we would not be here this afternoon. Perhaps his pluckiness played a hand because he did not want to let go.” Mr Brunton recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

Gwern was a pupil at Ysgol Pontrhydfendigaid with the head of the school, Joyce George, saying: “We are extremely saddened to hear this tragic news. We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family at this very sad time. We will be providing help and support to both our pupils and staff during this difficult time.”

A tribute from the young boy’s family issued after his death read: “As a family we are incredibly distraught by our tragic loss and he will be greatly missed by us and the entire community. He was a loving son and a caring brother who touched the hearts of so many. He lived his short life to the fullest and will be remembered for his captivating personality.

“He was an extremely keen little farmer who had knowledge and ability beyond his years. We would like to thank everyone for their support and kindness at this horrific time. It has meant so much to the whole family. We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”