The mother of a six-year-old boy who died following a severe asthma attack has spoken of her 'devastating' loss in the lead-up to Christmas. The tragic incident occurred in a busy shopping centre, leaving witnesses and paramedics in a desperate fight to save his life.
A Desperate Fight to Save a Young Life
Magnus Landon Kayde collapsed at the Urangan Central shopping centre on Queensland's Fraser Coast on November 28. Shoppers watched in horror as emergency services rushed to help the young boy. Witness Stephen Power described the scene, noting that different people attempted CPR on the 'little fella' while his mother was utterly distraught.
Another witness told local media they were unprepared for the sight of the critically ill child. Despite being rushed to hospital in a critical condition, doctors were unable to save Magnus.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Tribute
His mother, Casey Morris, has since paid tribute to her son, remembering him as 'the most hilarious little boy' who loved Spiderman, Hot Wheels, and dreamed of becoming a fireman. In a poignant online appeal for help with funeral costs, she shared intimate details of his final day.
'The day he passed, he caught a toad and named him Jeff,' Ms Morris wrote. 'Everyone who was around him was so impressed as he was starting to come out of his shell and act like a boy.'
She expressed her profound grief, stating she just 'wanted her baby back' and that he should be telling her what he wanted for Christmas. Ms Morris also thanked those who tried to save her son and those who comforted her during the traumatic event.
A National Health Concern
Magnus's grandmother, Kate Nunn, also shared her sorrow, calling him 'Nana's little man'. This personal tragedy casts a stark light on a significant public health issue. In 2023 alone, asthma attacks claimed the lives of almost 500 Australians, underscoring the serious and sometimes fatal nature of the condition.
The family's loss, felt acutely during the festive season, serves as a sombre reminder of the critical importance of asthma management and awareness.
