Boy, 12, dies after magpie smash

Sergeant Darryl Morrison surveys Queen Street in Walloon where Ivan Sthrowski-Wooda, 12, was hit by a car.

THE Walloon community is mourning the loss of 12-year-old Ivan Sthrowski-Wood, who died in hospital three weeks after being hit by a car.

Family members said Ivan's fight for life ended peacefully at the Mater Children's Hospital about 8.45pm on Monday.

He had suffered serious head injuries and a broken pelvis after being struck by a four-wheel-drive while it was thought he was running away from a magpie.

The incident happened only a few metres from the front gate of his home on Queen Street, Walloon, on August 16.

His grandmother, Ivy McClements, said Ivan had regained consciousness in hospital and was talking to loved ones a few days after the accident.

But he suffered sudden and drastic complications and was forced back into the intensive care unit and into an induced coma – from which he never woke.

Investigations are continuing into the circumstances that led to the tragic accident, and a report is being prepared for the coroner, however, Mrs McClements said Ivan was being chased by a magpie after leaving school that day.

In his panic he accidentally ran onto Queen Street and into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Shocked onlookers, as well as the driver of the vehicle involved, rushed to the injured boy's aid.

Witnesses said he was thrown several metres after being struck by the dual-cab utility.

“He was a really well-mannered child, very clever and loved his cross-country,” Mrs McClements said.

“He was the most placid child.

“I've found myself wandering around in circles because I just cannot comprehend what has happened.”

News of Ivan's passing filtered quickly through his community yesterday.

A floral tribute was attached to a signpost near the spot where the accident occurred.

Local hairdresser Chris Roberts said Ivan would be sorely missed.

“He used to come in here for a haircut – he was a gorgeous kid actually,” she said.

“He was a very chatty young fellow and he would always ask how you were going.

“He was always well-mannered and just an all-round good kid.

“My heart goes out to his family.”

Ms Roberts said she was initially shocked by news that Ivan had been hit by a car, until she was told of the unusual circumstances which led to the incident.

“He was always very cautious – he was not the type of kid to run out in front of a car without thinking,” she said.

“I think if there are rogue magpies around then the authorities need to look at ways to get rid of them – especially if they are near schools.”