Heartbroken dad pays moving tribute to son, 5, killed in tragic truck accident

The heartbroken father of a young boy who was tragically hit and killed in a truck accident has paid tribute to his son in a moving speech at his funeral this week.

Harrison Sproule, 5, died last month after being pinned behind a truck his dad was parking at the family business in Picton in Sydney’s south-west. Emergency services were called to the scene and Harry, as he’s known by his loved ones, was transported to the Liverpool Hospital. However, sadly the little boy died shortly after arriving.

Now, Harry has been remembered by his dad Doug Sproule in a moving funeral at the Camden Baptist Church on Tuesday, with hundreds tuning in to the service via live stream from the footpath, 7 News reports.  Standing in front of family and friends, Doug read a letter to his youngest child, sharing memories of Harry’s short life and his love for trucks.

A heartbroken father who accidentally hit and killed his 5-year-old son has spoken of the boy's love of trucks. Harrison Sproule died when he was pinned behind a truck his father was parking at a family business, today remembered as a cheeky boy who loved travelling. @peterfegan7 pic.twitter.com/QfCWYUnh7M

— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) June 2, 2020

“Dear Harry,” he began. “You came into this world as a wonderful surprise. You were a little, hairy man, but you were a good baby. You lived your life to the fullest, full of adventure with your two brothers and big sister who loved you dearly.”

Doug went on to share some of his son’s favourite things, including dogs, camping and of course trucks. He said his little boy even earned the nickname ‘Road Train Harry’, so it was fitting that he was transported to the funeral on the back of a Kenworth Prime Mover.

It’s been a heartbreaking few weeks for the family as they mourn the loss of little Harry. Doug spoke out just one day after the tragic event unfolded, describing him as a “very happy and mischievous” little boy.

“He was very outdoorsy, he loved his horse, loved his brother and sister,” he said. “He used to come with me a lot in the truck, he loved it.”

Harry had a bright future, he started school this year and his dad said he “absolutely loved it”. But sadly, his life was cut short, and Doug has blamed himself. The father told 7 News he failed as a parent and is deeply sorry that he couldn’t protect his son. But, his other children are forgiving and aren’t placing blame on their dad.

“Sorry, that’s all I can say,” Doug said. To which his son Max responded: “You don’t have to be sorry, it was an accident.”

However, despite the support of his family, Doug said he failed in his job as a dad and should have been there to protect Harry.

“I fix problems every day but I couldn’t fix this one,” he told 7 News. “It’s my job to protect him, and I failed on this one. He will be sadly missed, he will be deeply, sadly missed.” Doug’s daughter Claire (Harry’s sister) added: “He was special, you don’t find a kid like that.”