The extended family of Mia’s parents, Simone Francis and Jacob Power, have today thanked over 2,500 donators who have contributed to the fund that will be used on the toddler’s funeral.
“We are absolutely overwhelmed with the generosity of every single one of you,” Katie Hunt, one of Mia’s Aunties posted late Tuesday.
“The support that has been shown to Mia and her parents has well and truly surpassed any hope or expectation we had.”
“Many many thanks from the bottom of our hearts.”
Mia was being carried by her mother through Glindemann Park at Holland Park on Sunday before the “aggressive” bird attacked, causing Mia’s mother to duck and trip.
Mia was rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital with serious injuries but later died.
A note with the words “Fly High Little Mia” with a knitted heart has now been placed at the park near where the accident took place.
“Everything about Mia was perfect, from her head full of hair to her tiny little nose, and her little long toes,” family members said following the fundraiser.
“Beautiful she was and loved by all who got to meet her. The joy Mia brought to all of our lives cannot be described in words, but is certainly felt in all of our hearts.”
“Her gentle soul will always be forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, beautiful Mia,” other people posted.
Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schrinner yesterday said that the incident had shocked the city “to the absolute core”.
“This is something that I’m aware has never happened before,” Mayor Schrinner said.
“We know that this situation probably was impossible to have predicted.”
Brisbane City Council will be undergoing a “urgent” investigation to ensure a tragedy like this is avoided in the future.
“I know there was signs put up but … we need to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Mayor Schrinner said.
Magpie was a known threat to local residents
Holland Park West residents have said the magpie that caused the tragic accident was a known menace.
Locals who spoke with 9News said they had complained to the council about the bird, and that it was a persistent, aggressive swooper.
“This magpie swoops everyone every time,” one man said, adding the bird would frequently attack kids and adults.
Since Sunday’s tragic accident, council workers have installed extra signage and caution tape at Glindemann Park, just south of Brisbane’s CBD.
The bird has since been removed.
“It’s just a traumatic accident, it’s a tragedy and really sad,” another Holland Park West local told 9News.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson said paramedics were called to the park following “reports that a mum had fallen with a baby in her arms”.
“(She was) reportedly ducking to avoid a magpie,” the spokesperson said.
Magpie swooping season runs from July to December and peaks in September.
Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
