A FATHER has delivered an emotional tribute to his son in court as a coroner tries to determine what happened in the fortnight before his death in 2013.
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Luke Pendergast gave evidence at the coronial inquest into the death of his 22-month-old son, Baylen, in Tamworth Coroner’s Court.
Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee will resume hearing evidence on Monday from family members, medical experts and other specialists about the last days of Baylen’s life, along with the medical response.
The little boy died of head injuries after his life support was switched off on November 30, 2013, in a Sydney hospital. He was rushed to hospital two days beforehand.
Mr Pendergast said Baylen was loved dearly by both parents and was nicknamed “Snowy” by his grandfather for his snow white hair.
“Baylen’s first Christmas was the biggest Christmas I had seen for a 10-month-old,” he said in a statement delivered in court.
“At the time he had that many presents it filled the whole front lounge room and when it came to his birthday we couldn’t work out what to get him.”
The court was told Baylen was “advanced” with his walking, talking and his growth, and “had a much-loved friendship with his mate, Axel,” the dog.
At the time he had that many presents it filled the whole front lounge room and when it came to his birthday we couldn’t work out what to get him.
- Father Luke Pendergast
“By the time Baylen turned one, he already had a scroll of words he could say and was able to talk sentences with people,” Mr Pendergast said.
“Baylen loved to try and help do anything he could and be beside you at any time if it was washing the car or mowing the lawns or just fixing something, he wanted to get in and help.”
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Mr Pendergast said his son was a quick learner and loved animals, cars, trucks and his general adventure outside the odd trip to the yard to see all the trucks and forklifts.
“When we took ‘daddy car’, Baylen would ask to have the sun roof open on Dad’s car so he could watch the sky why we drove around,” he said.
“Baylen knew the rules about wearing hats outside and always had his hats on no matter if it was bed time, shower time, bath time or tea, the hat wasn’t allowed to come off. I think after a while he got the hint you don’t have to wear a hat everywhere.
“He still has his hat on to this day and still snuggled up to his snuggle bear and forever will be.”
Mr Pendergast said “Baylen had his whole life ahead of him”, and had the “expectations to proceed far in life”.
He still has his hat on to this day and still snuggled up to his snuggle bear and forever will be.
- Father Luke Pendergast
“Baylen was, is and forever will be loved by all,” he said.
“He may not be here but is forever with us in our hearts.
“His name will live on and will never be forgotten for the short life he had.”
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
