A toddler's heart will give new life to a stranger after the tot tragically died following a choking incident at daycare, just two months before his second birthday.
Henry Spletter is understood to have begun fighting for breath while at Redlynch's Busy Bees childcare centre in Cairns, far north Queensland, last Thursday.
Paramedics revived him and flew him to Townsville University Hospital but he was declared dead on Saturday after suffering a 'non-survivable brain injury'.
His parents, Aaron and Rachel Spletter, described their little boy as 'beautiful in every way' in a heartbreaking tribute.
'He was very active, once he got up, you couldn't stop him,' Ms Spletter said.
'To our knowledge, the staff provided great first aid and we're thankful to them for that, as well as emergency services and the Cairns and Townsville ICU departments.
'So many people did all they could to support him until the end.'
It remains unclear on what Henry choked on, and an investigation has been launched into the incident.
Ms Spletter revealed the couple had decided to donate his heart and it was 'successfully transferred to another little boy or girl'.
Queensland Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Busy Bees Australia chief executive Phil McKenzie said the company's thoughts were with the Spletter family.
'The entire Busy Bees team is extremely shocked and saddened by Henry's passing,' Mr McKenzie said
'Out of respect for the Spletter family and to support to our team, the Redlynch centre was closed on Monday.'
'Henry was a beloved son, big brother, and shining light in the lives of those who knew him,' Mr Brown wrote.
'Aaron, Rachel, and their family are grieving the loss of their precious child.
'Your donations will help Aaron, Rachel, and their newborn daughter, Aubrey, take the time they need to grieve, heal, and be together.
 |
| Aaron and Rachel Spletter paid tribute to their son Henry |
 |
| Aaron Spletter said the support from the community was overwhelming following his son Henry's death |
'We ask that you hold Henry's family in your thoughts and prayers.'
The appeal had raised $114,153 by Tuesday morning and Mr Spletter said he was grateful for the support.
'I've already received so many messages of support from people,' he said.
'Looking at their names, I know they're not all well off, but they're contributing as much as they can, and we appreciate it.
'It is just a matter of remembering him and celebrating him. For only 22 months, he achieved a lot.'