NSW:Faith helps family cope with toddler's tragic driveway death

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2006
NSW:Faith helps family cope with toddler's tragic driveway death

By Amelia Elliston

GRIFFITH NSW, Aug 17 AAP - The parents of a toddler killed when she was run over twice
by her father's car in south-western NSW say they are relying on their faith to help them
cope with their loss.

Tai-ane Ravarua, who would have turned two this month, died when she ran behind her
father's car as he reversed out of their front yard on Doonarra Road at Griffith about
11.15am (AEST) on Monday, police said.

Tai-Ane's mother, Sarah Wells, had reportedly seen the accident unfolding and called
out a warning to the father, David Ravarua, who then drove forward and hit the girl a
second time.

The couple immediately started CPR on their daughter, who had suffered severe head
injuries, but she was pronounced dead on arrival at Griffith Hospital a short time later.

Ms Wells today said she and Mr Ravarua were relying on their faith to get them through.

"At the moment it doesn't feel real and we are having a hard time trying to deal with
everything," she said.

"This was a tragic accident, and we believe God has a plan for everyone.

"This was his plan for Tai-ane, we have to believe something good will come out of
it, even though we don't want her to go."

Since Tai-ane's death, the community of Griffith has rallied around the family, Ms Wells said.

"We have received so much support from family and friends, and from people we don't even know."

She and Mr Ravarua have both been offered counselling to help them deal with their grief.

"I think it is something we will look at after the funeral," she said.

"We haven't had much of a chance to spend time together and talk because of all the
organising we have had to do, but we are just trying to be strong together."

Tai-ane's funeral will be held at Griffith's Presbyterian Church on Monday at 1pm,
and mourners have been asked to wear something pink.

AAP regdaily/hn/was/jt/sd

KEYWORD: DRIVEWAY (PIX AVAILABLE)

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