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The family of the 14-month-old toddler, who was hit by a car in Kangaroo Flat on Wednesday night, has released a statement.
Spencer Roberts will be remembered as a precious little boy by his parents, Stacey Winning and Brad Roberts, and siblings Rhylee, Deklan, Jacob and Kaylah.
"Spencer will be sadly missed and loved by many due to a tragic accident that occurred last night," a family spokesperson said.
"He was a beautiful, fun, lovely, energetic, precious little boy adored by his brothers and sisters. Stacey and Brad will sadly miss their perfect precious little boy (and) they've got friends and family to support them at this heart breaking time."
Earlier
A driver involved in a collision that resulted in the death of a toddler will not be charged after police investigations concluded it was a tragic accident.
Bendigo Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Dale Simm said the 14-month-old child crawled out of its home near High Street in Kangaroo Flat on Wednesday night and was struck by a car in the slip lane.
The driver, a 56-year-old Maiden Gully man, was in a Holden sedan and believed he had hit an animal.
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"The child is a toddler and was crawling along," Acting Senior Sergeant Simm said. "The child has entered the roadway and been struck by a vehicle travelling south on High Street.
"The driver stopped after realising they hit an object. (He) didn't realise it was a child and has gone to a premises and informed the parents he believed it was an animal that he struck.
"They've then realised it was a child."
The driver and the parents tried to help the child until emergency services arrive. Emergency services remained at the scene for about two hours.
"It appears the toddler was seriously injured after being struck by the vehicle and was pronounced dead at Bendigo hospital," Acting Senior Sergeant Simm said.
"There's no indication of speeding, alcohol or drugs in relation to the driver."
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Acting Senior Sergeant Simm said the situation was tragic.
"It's just a tragic accident where the child has left the house quickly and come out on the road," he said.
"Of course, the parents are very upset. We've spoken with them and have welfare (authorities) helping them as well.
"All police and emergency service members who were at the scene were contacted by welfare (authorities) as well as the driver and another witness who was at the scene. The driver is upset of course."
Police will interview people involved in the incident again.
"There will be follow-ups to see how the toddler has left the premises. It was at home with their mum and dad," Acting Senior Sergeant Simm said.
"We will still follow up and obtain statements and conduct follow-ups with the parents to make sure they're alright but at this stage it is just a tragic accident."
If you are experiencing emotional distress, or worried someone close to you might be, the following services provide support and advice:
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800. Phone support is always available; online support is open from 8am to midnight (AEST).
- Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467. Phone support is available all day and the service makes follow-up calls.
- eheadspace: 1800 650 890. Open 9am to 1am daily (AEST).
- Lifeline: 13 11 14. Phone support available around the clock; online support from 7pm to 4am daily (AEST).
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636. Phone support available at all times; online support available from 3pm to midnight.
If your safety or someone else's safety is at immediate risk, call triple zero.
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