A young basketball star has become the sixth child to be killed after a bouncy castle was lifted 10 metres into the air by a sudden gust of wind.
Children at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport were celebrating the end of the school year when a gust of wind lifted the bouncy castle almost 10 meters (33 feet) into the air.
The other five children who lost their lives were 11-year-old Addison Stewart, and 12-year-olds Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, and Peter Dodt.
“Our thoughts continue to be with his family and all other families and loved ones of the children involved,” Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said.
The state was “working tirelessly with all parties concerned to ensure the extensive investigation is completed as a matter of priority for the coroner,” Hine said.
That would include interviewing witnesses and analysing information on the weather at the time of the incident, he said.
Forensic child interviewers were also being sent to Tasmania to aid in the investigation and help children suffering from emotional trauma.
Basketball Australia said they were mourning the loss of one of their own after Chace succumbed to his injuries and directed mourners to donate to a public fund for the victim’s families.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the national team said: “Chace Harrison who was a much-loved member of the Devonport Warriors and the Basketball Tasmania Further Development Program.
“Chace will always be remembered in our hearts.
“Our thoughts are with all impacted by this tragedy.
“The WNBL and NBL will be honouring the six children by holding a minute silence and wearing black armbands at all games taking place this week.”
The first victim of the tragedy was named on Thursday as Zane Gardam, who was described as a “beautiful, caring” boy.
Christmas lights have been turned off and a candlelight vigil was held Friday in remembrance of the boys and girls aged 11 and 12 who died in the incident.
The township, with a population around 25,000, has rallied to support the families of the victims and the wider community.
