Boy who died after quad bike crash named

File photo / Thinkstock

The 4-year-old boy who died from injuries received in a quad bike crash was Timothy George MacAvoy, from Ashburton.

Police said the death was a tragic reminder of the need for caution with young children and farm vehicles on rural properties.

The crash occurred on April 27 near Tai Tapu, and the boy died at Starship Hospital, Auckland, on Saturday.

The boy had been visiting a relative's farm, just east of Tai Tapu township, with his family, police said.

Canterbury road policing manager Inspector Al Stewart said the circumstances of the crash were yet to be determined.

But inquiries indicate the boy had been riding in front of a relative, a man aged in his 60s.

The bike was being driven down a gentle grassed slope and struck a tie-down strung between two trees, after one of the trees had blown down in a recent storm.

Both were flung from the bike. The boy suffered severe spinal injuries and was taken to Christchurch Hospital, before being transferred to Starship Hospital the following day.

The adult rider suffered spinal and chest injuries and was treated at the Burwood spinal unit before being discharged.

Mr Stewart said the incident was a reminder that children are vulnerable when using quad bikes or other farm vehicles.

"It is a tragedy when a young life is lost in such circumstances. In any situation, the combination of farm vehicles and young children is a potentially hazardous one,'' he said.

"Police and rural community leaders have been consistent in urging farmers and rural residents to be extra vigilant and to avoid putting children at risk.''

The investigation into the crash is continuing. No decision has been yet been made on whether any charges will be laid.