A three-year-old boy was accidentally knocked down and killed by a tractor driven by his father as he rode his new bike on the family farm, heartbroken relatives have said.
Ianto Jenkins was thought to have been hit by a farming truck driven by Guto Sior Jenkins, 31, at their home in Efailwen near Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire. The toddler died from suspected crush injuries in the incident on Tuesday.
Jenkins is “completely devastated”, according to his mother, Meinir, 61.
“No one is to blame,” she said. “Ianto was playing [with] his new bike in the back yard and my son just didn’t know he was there.
“He didn’t see him. He heard the sound of his pick-up hitting something and when he stopped and got out to look, Ianto was lying on the ground motionless. It is just heartbreaking. Poor Guto, I don’t know how he’s going to live with this.” She described Ianto as the “most beautiful, happy boy in the world”.
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Jenkins operates a topsoil business from the 270-acre dairy farm, which has been run by his parents for decades.
His son “loved being around the farm machines and was always happiest when he was sitting next to his dad on a tractor or riding in the truck with him”, Meinir said.
Tributes and pledges of support have been received from across the community in the wake of the incident. The family is being supported by specialist officers and an inquest will open at a later date.
One friend said: “Deepest sympathy to you and the family. I can’t imagine such a nightmare, but I can ensure that all your family, your friends, the people of Efailwen and the whole of Wales are thinking about you and the family at this dark hour in your life.”
Huw George, a church minister and county councillor, said the “strong” and “close” community had been pulling together.
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“People will be there and sense when help is needed and if people ask for help, they will get it, because how do you begin to explain and begin to say something which means anything at a time like this?” he said.
A police spokesman said: “Dyfed-Powys police was alerted to a collision involving a vehicle and a child at a private property in the Clynderwen area at approximately 7pm on Tuesday, August 3. Sadly, a three-year-old boy died at the scene.
“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing and the family is being supported by specialist officers. The Health and Safety Executive and HM Coroner have been informed. Nobody else was injured.”