A boy who miraculously survived a jumping castle tragedy that killed six of his ‘best mates’ has sent a heartfelt message for his supporters.
Beau Medcraft, 12, suffered two broken arms and a shattered wrist after he fell 10 metres from a bouncing house that got caught up in a ‘mini-tornado’ during a graduation celebration at Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania, on Thursday.
Zane Mellor, 12, Jye Sheehan, 12, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12, Peter Dodt, 12, Addison Stewart, 11, and Chace Hamilton, 11, were killed in the disaster – but Beau somehow managed to walk away.
The 12-year-old was recovering at home after being released from hospital on Friday when he received a very special message from Tasmanian-born country music star Casey Barnes.
Meet young Beau Medcraft who was caught up in the tragic events in Devonport this week,’ Barnes wrote.
‘Two broken arms, a shattered wrist but sadly also lost his best mates as a result of the incident.’
The musician explained he grew up on the state’s north-west coast, went to college and played some of his first gigs in Devonport, ‘so am really feeling for the community and everyone directly involved,’ he added.
He encouraged his followers to ‘drop Beau a get well message … it’ll make his day’ – and heartfelt messages came flooding in.
Bandaged and bruised and wearing Barnes’ merchandise, Beau made a video to thank him and the Australian community for their ongoing support.
He asked the singer to share the video to ensure his supporters know their warm words were appreciated.
‘Hi Casey, thanks for the support and all the awesome people who commented,’ Beau said.
He also accepted an invitation on behalf of his family to meet Barnes at a show in February.
Barnes said the messaged ‘lifted his spirits’.
‘It’s just so nice to know he’s got the support out there at the moment.’
On Friday, Beau’s father John Medcraft took to social media to share the details of his son’s fortunate escape and express his sorrow to the victims who weren’t so lucky.
‘My boy Beau was and is so lucky, he was on the jumping castle and thrown off,’ he said of Thursday’s tragedy,’ he said.
‘He’s bruised, busted and broken but he’s still with us. He’s more thinking of his mates he’s lost and all of them. He’s a tough kid.’
Beau attended the growing memorial for the six children on Sunday, armed with gaming controllers which he left as a tribute to his dead friends.
With both arms in casts and his shoulder in a sling, Beau placed four Xbox controllers among the sea of flowers and cards left by families and members of the local community.
He then broke down as he hugged his parents who embraced the young boy at the tribute.
Zane’s family have also spoken of their grief as a nurse who was working in a nearby hospital on the day of the tragedy described the ‘phenomenal’ efforts staff made to help the injured children.
His mother and grandfather visited the makeshift memorial at the school on Saturday to show their appreciation as fundraising page for the victims’ families reached the $1.2million mark.
‘I just needed to see what everyone had done and I appreciate it so much but nothing brings my baby home,’ Ms Gardam said through tears.
The broken mother and grandad each brought items that reminded them of Zane to the memorial saying they couldn’t part with them yet.
