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Dromana boy injured at Rye carnival dies at Royal Children's Hospital

A six-year-old boy who was injured in the Rye carnival on Monday has died.

The Dromana boy, Eugene, fell from a ride that was operating after the carnival had closed to the public about 5.15pm. He was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital where he died on Friday night.

In a statement, his parents Tammy and Stacey Mahauariki said their hearts were broken.

"Last night we said a sad farewell to our beautiful son Eugene Mahauariki," they said.

"While our hearts are broken, it is important to us that Eugene is remembered as we knew and loved him.

"Eugene was a happy, kind and caring boy and he loved nothing more than to dance.

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"Eugene was loved by so many people and he brought us, his brother and four sisters, extended family, friends and community so much joy and happiness in his short life.

"He was an energetic boy and he loved nothing more than playing with his siblings and his beloved two dogs.

"We could not have been more proud of him and cannot imagine our world without him. We want to thank the staff at the Royal Children's Hospital who have cared for Eugene and thank everyone who has supported us over the past week.

"We ask the media to respect our privacy as we mourn and grieve for Eugene."

Carnival operators, Wittingslow Amusements, also issued a statement.

"Our hearts and sincerest thoughts remain firmly with his family at this sad time, as well as their friends and extended family here and in New Zealand," the statement read.

"We grieve with them and we are doing everything we can to ensure everyone gets the support they need. The entire Wittingslow family and all of our staff are devastated by what occurred last week.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the community who have offered overwhelming support to the family and to our staff during this difficult time.

"Our sincere thoughts are also with the first responders on the scene of the accident, as well as other guests and Wittingslow carnival staff."

The primary school-aged boy had suffered critical head injuries after falling from a ride at the Rye Carnival.

Paramedics were called to the scene about 5.15pm. An hour later he was flown to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.