'Treasured' toddler killed in Christchurch carpark

Flowers and toys at the Cowles Stadium carpark in Christchurch, where a two-year-old boy was killed. Photo / Kurt Bayer

The "treasured" two-year-old boy who died after being run over at a Christchurch stadium's carpark will be laid to rest today.

Emergency services were called to Cowles Stadium on Pages Rd, Aranui, at 4.37pm on Friday.

The toddler, Isaiah James Oxley-Pirini had been pinned between a van and a low fence.
CPR was performed on him but he tragically died at the scene.

Police are investigating.

In a death notice published today, he is remembered as a "treasured son" and "cherished grandson".

He will be laid to rest at Celebration Centre Church in Wainoni this morning.

Canterbury Basketball Association said that all teams playing at the stadium will be wearing black armbands on Saturday as a show of respect.

"We're very saddened about the terrible tragedy that occurred at Cowles Stadium earlier [Friday], and our condolences are with the family who have lost their child," it said.

"As we are a part of the local community all teams playing at Cowles will be supplied with black tape to wear on their arms in a show of support [Saturday]."

Tribute flowers and children toys were placed at the scene - to the rear of the large carpark, beside a children's playground and soccer fields.

The playground was abuzz with children on Saturday, while the carpark was a hive of activities, with vehicles constantly ferrying Saturday sportspeople to and from games.

Police said they have offered their deepest sympathy to the family during this difficult time.

SafeKids Aotearoa director Ann Weaver said the incident was a tragedy.

"I do sympathise with the family for their loss and as well the driver," she said.

SafeKids Aotearoa has campaigned for drivers to be vigilant when reversing out of driveways if children are present. It was important to walk around your car before getting in to drive and the same message applied in carparks, she said.

"It's really important if you are in any situation, before you get in the car you walk around to see if there are any children," she said.

"People don't realise what they can't see when they are in a car.

"If you're reversing, you wouldn't see a 2-year-old behind you for up to 10m."

Cowles Stadium in Christchurch's Aranui is a purpose-built, standalone indoor stadium.
The stadium is run by the Christchurch City Council with basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton courts for hire. It has an on-site carpark.