A Queensland couple are mourning the death of their 18-month-old son who tragically drowned in his family’s backyard pool just days after they moved in.
Phoenix Rodgers was discovered in the pool at his family’s new home in Hervey Bay, north of the Sunshine Coast, on October 6.
He was rushed to Hervey Bay Hospital in critical condition around 4pm but later died.
Phoenix’s mother and father, Stacy Sharrad and Blair Rodgers, told the Sunshine Coast Daily this week they are struggling to cope.
A Queensland couple are mourning the death of their 18-month-old son (pictured) who tragically drowned in his family’s backyard pool just days after they moved in
They described their son as a ‘loving big brother’ who loved to kiss and cuddle his six-month-old sister and spend time with Ms Sharrad’s two older children.
‘He was full of energy from the moment he woke up to the moment he went to sleep,’ Blair said.
Mr Rodgers said Phoenix had been playing with his siblings inside the house on the day he died.
The heartbroken dad said the toddler was out of his sight for two minutes before he was discovered in the water.
‘He never went near the pool,’ Blair said.
The family had moved from an apartment at the Ramada to the Craignish home a week prior.
The couple, who are staying with family, said they don’t know if they can return to the house to live following the tragedy, according to the publication.
‘Stacy walked through the front door, saw some of his stuff and just collapsed,’ Blair said about the couple’s visit to pick up clothes earlier this week.
Phoenix Rodgers was discovered in the pool at his family’s new home in Hervey Bay, north of the Sunshine Coast, on October 6. He was rushed to Hervey Bay Hospital (pictured) in critical condition around 4pm but later died
The Ramada has created a Go Fund Me page to help raise money for Phoenix’s funeral.
‘Phoenix was a beautiful blue eyed, blonde haired, cheeky and mischievous 18-month-old little boy who resided in our apartment complex with his mother and three siblings,’ the fundraiser page reads.
‘The family were long term tenants of our apartment complex and we had the opportunity to watch Phoenix grow into a beautiful little boy.’
‘All funds will be donated directly to the funeral home of the parents choosing.’
So far, $510 out of $2,000 has been raised.