Australian relay and track athlete Isaac Ntiamoah ran down and killed his own son on his first birthday in a tragic accident.
Ntiamoah, 36, was preparing to go shopping for his son’s first birthday party, reversing his Mitsubishi ASX out of the driveway of their western Sydney home, when he accidentally struck his son Josiah.
The tragic accident happened at about 3 p.m. on Friday, July 12, New South Wales Police said in a statement, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Ntiamoah’s wife Angelina witnessed what happened, rushing the child to Liverpool Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The Ntiamoah family released a statement on Sunday afternoon that said Josiah was their “joy and delight,” according to SBS News.
“He was our miracle baby. We cannot believe he is no longer with us,” the statement continued.
“What we do know is that he is with his heavenly father and we trust that God will help us in these painful days ahead.”
The family begged for privacy to “honor his memory” and grieve with family and friends.
Ntiamoah represented the Australian men’s 4×100 relay team during the 2012 London Olympics and qualified for the finals, finishing sixth. He finished fourth in a relay at the Commonwealth Games of 2010.
Bankstown Sports Athletics Club offered its condolences in a statement. “We and the entire athletics community are devastated by the news and our thoughts are with the entire Ntiamoah family,” it read. “We will offer whatever support we are able to provide to the Ntiamoah family.”
“Australia’s athletics family is today grieving the loss of Olympian Isaac Ntiamoah’s young son,” Athletics Australia wrote on Twitter, adding, “Our community share their collective thoughts and condolences with Isaac and his family at this terrible time.”
A neighbor, who requested to remain anonymous, told The Sunday Telegraph Ntiamoah was a “fantastic father” and that Josiah was “a very good little boy.”
Police ruled it a tragic incident, but the matter is still under investigation. Ntiamoah also had to undergo some routine blood and urine tests. His car was temporarily confiscated for forensic investigation but returned to the family on Saturday evening.
As soon as the news became public, social media was flooded with people offering their condolences to the family.
On Facebook, Mohammed Choudary commented: “Deepest condolences to the family. His little baby boy has returned back to his Creator. He will definitely be amongst the people of paradise. Very tragic accident. It goes to show life is very fragile and unpredictable.”
Another user, Noha Fares, said: “It’s harder when you meet someone and you hear about their passing. My Condolences to Angelina and her husband. I met her and baby Josiah for a few moments and fell in love with them both. May baby Josiah rest in peace and may Angelina and Isaac live in peace. This is God’s will, it can’t be changed. R.I.P Baby Josiah. Little angle gone to heaven.”
Ntiamoah could not be interviewed by investigators until Saturday morning, as he was in a state of shock.
A spokesperson from NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia, “A report will be prepared for the Coroner following the death of a child who was struck in a driveway at Green Valley.”
