The Reservoir Hills community in Durban is mourning the death of six-year-old Tyler Kai Mariayia, who died in hospital after falling from a third-storey window at his home on Thursday, 15 October.
Tyler, who was autistic, sustained critical injuries in the incident at the Villa Dor apartment building, situated at the corner of Siripat and New Germany roads. He was rushed to hospital, where he was later declared dead.
The tragedy has left his family devastated, with community members rallying to support them as they grapple with the loss.
However, speculation about the circumstances surrounding the incident has prompted community leaders to urge residents to refrain from spreading unverified information while police investigate.
Reservoir Hills Community Policing Sector chairperson Lee Maharaj said members of the community policing structure were among the first to arrive at the scene.
“We do not know the circumstances leading up to the child’s fall. All we know is what we saw when we got to the scene,” Maharaj said.
He said members established that the child had fallen from a window approximately 15 metres above the ground. They also observed that he had been moved from his original landing position.
Maharaj said members immediately sought medical assistance and attempted to administer first aid while contacting medical professionals. However, the severity of the boy’s injuries limited their efforts.
Two paramedics were contacted, with one responding immediately. An ambulance arrived approximately eight minutes later.
Despite efforts by emergency medical personnel, Tyler died in hospital.
First Responder KZN confirmed that it received reports of the incident at approximately 5.30pm on Thursday. Its paramedics, together with a Life EMS team, worked to stabilise the critically injured child before transporting him to hospital.
Maharaj said the family was struggling to come to terms with the loss and called on the community to support them during this difficult time.
Reservoir Hills Ratepayers Association chairperson Ish Prahladh echoed the call for support, warning against speculation and the premature assignment of blame.
Prahladh said the family had already endured a traumatic experience and should not be subjected to further distress through rumours and unsubstantiated allegations.
“I think the community should provide support to the family and not be quick to assign blame. The family has gone through a traumatic experience, and we should not be the ones bringing more pain to the situation by casting aspersions and spreading rumours. We must envelop them in love and support,” he said.
He added that the tragedy should also prompt greater awareness of child safety to help prevent similar incidents.
“What we must also do is raise awareness about these types of incidents to make sure that no other child dies in such a horrific way and no other family has to go through such heart-wrenching pain,” Prahladh said.
Meanwhile, police have opened an inquest docket to establish the circumstances surrounding Tyler’s death.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that Cato Manor police were investigating after the boy allegedly fell from the third floor of the building.
“The child sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he was confirmed dead. Circumstances that could have led to the death are being investigated,” Magwaza said.
Based on reporting by Rsing Sun Newspaper