LITTLE LAD LOST: Family including stepfather Alex Lynch are gutted by the drowning death of toddler Michael McNamara at their property in South Maclean. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Sunday Mail (Qld)
AFTER a night of frantic searching, a tiny waterlogged gumboot was the first sign of what had happened to two-year-old Michael McNamara.
Firefighters uncovered the toddler's boots just before 4am yesterday while draining a dam on his family's property in South Maclean, 10 hours after his disappearance sparked a massive search.
The body of the two-year-old was found on the other side of the dam soon afterwards.
Source: The Sunday Mail (Qld)
"It's just something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy," said stepfather Alex Lynch, who has helped raise Michael since he was five months old.
"Last night I could barely hold myself together. I've had all my cries and I'm trying to keep strong for my family."
The family, including Michael's mother Alannah, have been left shattered by the toddler's death.
Mr Lynch yesterday said it took "less than a second" for the tragedy to occur, and he believed the boy had escaped through a hole in the fence after his grandfather turned his back for mere moments.
He said Michael had most likely followed the family dog down to the dam, where he slipped into the water and drowned.
FIREMEN FOUND BOOTS: The dam where Michael was found at South Maclean property. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Sunday Mail (Qld)
Neighbours, police, firefighters and SES personnel searched for the boy, scouring the 35ha property into the early hours of the morning.
"Nearly every neighbour from the neighbourhood and the whole area has come out to help us.
"They've been really great," Mr Lynch said.
"We had over 150 people and we had to actually send people back home because we had too many people."
Firefighters began draining the dam after the search turned up nothing, and made their tragic discovery about 3.45am.
Mr Lynch said Michael, known affectionately to the family as "Blah", was a cheeky, curious boy who had loved animals, chocolate and fire engines, and would be remembered for his hugs and infectious smile.
"Everything about him I'm going to miss ... He was just as bright as anything and he had a really bright future. He was going to do so well."
It is the second tragedy to leave the family reeling in less than 12 months, after Michael's father died in a car crash early last year.
Friends and well-wishers flocked to a Facebook tribute site for the boy and his father yesterday, posting messages of condolence and sharing their grief.
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