Jayden Harris

4:53 PM Saturday Feb 26, 2011

Jayden Harris. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Eight-month-old Jayden Harris died when a 21-inch television fell from a chest of drawers during the earthquake, killing him instantly.

Jayden's mother, Tracey Harris, tried desperately to protect him, but the force of the earthquake knocked her off her feet.

Jayden's big blue eyes and cherubic smile captured the hearts of the nation.

Jayden's father Grant Smith said his son would be sorely missed by himself, his former partner and their two daughters, Stephanie and Vanessa.

"[Tracey] tried to stop the TV from falling over but the force of the earthquake just knocked her down on the ground," Mr Smith said of his former partner.

"She couldn't get up in time."

Mr Smith described his son as a "smiley wee boy" who was just about learning to crawl.

"I've got a photo in my phone, plus a video of him that we took two days earlier... one is of him smiling and the other is of him giggling ... he'd only just learned to giggle."

He said his former partner was struggling with Jayden's death.

"I don't think she's coping well, which is understandable.

"I'm just trying to look after my little girls as well. I'm just trying to be strong for my girls."

Bitsy (Auckland Region) | 05:35PM Saturday, 26 Feb 2011

Such a sad, sad tragedy. As a mother myself, I cannot imagine your grief. Mother's everywhere are grieving for your lost, beautiful boy, and for your most painful of pains. You are in our thoughts.
Robyn (in Auckland)

ella (New Zealand) | 05:35PM Saturday, 26 Feb 2011

I wish I could send you some strength. I know that this is a terrible, terrible time for you. I just want to say that there are many like me who wish they could do something and as little as it is our thoughts are with you all the time. Love Ella

AngelC (Ecuador) | 06:08PM Saturday, 26 Feb 2011

Mi sentido más profundo de tristeza para la familia en este momento de dolor por la perdida de un ángel, esperando que Dios grande y misericordioso fortalezca su corazón para afrontar esta dura situación. From Quito.Ecuador