The parents of one-year-old Sonny-Charles Watson have paid tribute to their “wee sunshine” following his death in a dog attack in Christchurch.
According to a report by Stuff, Sonny sustained critical injuries at a property on Basingstoke St in Aranui at about 4.45 pm on Friday. He was taken to an ambulance, but police later confirmed he died at the scene despite efforts by first responders and a member of the household.
Police said the dog was known to the occupants and lived at the property. It was later removed, with police liaising with Christchurch City Council Animal Control.
On Saturday evening, Sonny’s parents, Greg Watson and Jordan Doherty, shared a tribute to their son.
“It is with great sadness that we have lost our wee sunshine”.
They thanked the community for its support and messages while asking for privacy as they grieve.
“Feel free to send messages of love, but we will not be responding until the time is right,” they said, ending the message: “Fly high sunshine. Love you forever,” as quoted by Stuff.
A Givealittle page has since been established to support Sonny’s parents, with more than $20,000 raised by 5 pm on Sunday.
The fundraising page described Sonny as “Sunshine” and said he brought happiness and warmth to those around him, particularly within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, where his parents were involved, as reported by Stuff.
“His beautiful presence touched many lives, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
NZ Grappler also remembered Sonny, describing him as “always a little ray of sunshine” at Christchurch grappling events, Stuff has quoted.
“The happy baby sitting on the sideline waiting for mummy to finish reffing, watching her every step. Sneaking kisses with Dad in between matches, always a little ray of sunshine,” as quoted by Stuff.
The New Zealand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation expressed its condolences, saying there were “simply no words for a loss like this”.
“Sonny, lovingly known as ‘Sunshine,’ brought happiness, warmth and love to everyone around him, including the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community that became such an important part of his young life,” the organisation said, Stuff has quoted.
On Sunday, Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Overend confirmed the child’s identity and released a further statement from his parents.
“Sonny was not just the light of our lives but everyone he came in contact with. The most beautiful little boy, full of love and laughter for everyone. Shine bright our ray of sunshine,” they said, as quoted by Stuff.
Overend offered his condolences to Sonny’s family and friends.
“The loss of a child is a tragedy beyond words, and we continue to support Sonny's family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve,” as quoted by Stuff.
A local resident who witnessed the aftermath told Stuff a woman had been seen outside the property “crying on her hands and knees” on the night of the attack. The witness said the woman was later taken to the ambulance “to be with her child”.
Police said their investigation into the death was continuing, including speaking with residents and providing support to those affected.
The incident has also prompted renewed discussion around dog safety. Local Government Minister Simon Watts said the Dog Control Act would be reviewed to assess how councils manage dangerous dogs.
“The news of this dog attack is devastating, and my thoughts are with the child’s family and everyone affected,” he said, Stuff has quoted.
“Every New Zealander should be able to feel safe in their community and not fear being attacked by a dangerous and uncontrolled dog,” Stuff has quoted.