Tasmanian community left ‘shattered’ by jumping castle tragedy, as victims are identified

Pictured above: Zane, Addison, Jye, Jalailah and Peter.

A Tasmanian community has been left “shattered” by a jumping castle tragedy which has killed five children.

Their names and pictures have since been released by police, with the permission of their families.

Hillcrest Primary School students Addison Stewart, 11, Zane Mellor, 12, Jye Sheehan, 12, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12, and Peter Dodt, 12, died after they fell about 10m from a jumping castle after it was blown into the air by a “freak” gust of wind on Thursday.

The children were celebrating their final day of primary school.

Three others are fighting for life, and several more seriously injured.

A growing sea of flowers surrounds the Hillcrest Primary School sign at Devonport, with a number of teddy bears laid, candles lit and handwritten notes of sympathy and support.

Police continue to investigate the incident.

3AW Sunday Morning host Nick McCallum is in Tasmania for 7 News and told Tony Jones, who is filling in for Neil Mitchell, the community was understandably struggling to come to terms with what had happened.

“It has just shattered this community,” he said.

“One person we spoke to said this community will never be the same again.

“There is a whole generation of kids who will have to live with this.

“Remember, there were dozens of kids also here at that time who saw a lot of what was going on.”

The veteran reporter said it was one of the hardest stories he’s ever had to cover.

Press PLAY below to hear Nick McCallum speak with Tony Jones

 

Police have confirmed tonight a fifth child has died as a result of the Hillcrest Primary School tragedy. Many flowers and heartwarming tributes are being left at the school sign @9NewsAUS @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/3w4sw9zwTk

— Rachel Baxter (@rachbaxter9) December 16, 2021