Heartbroken dad and mom who misplaced their three-year-old son are dealt ANOTHER merciless blow simply 24 hours later
A couple whose three-year-old son tragically died after he went into cardiac arrest have pleaded for help finding their ‘deeply sentimental’ caravan after it was allegedly stolen less than 24 hours after the toddler’s death.
Three-year-old Merson Melville’s heart suddenly stopped at his Frankston home in Victoria on the morning of October 24.
He was rushed to hospital and placed in a coma but, tragically, he took his final breath while surrounded by his family at 11.43am on November 1.
Merson’s parents, Penny and Mo Melville, were then dealt a further blow when their vintage caravan was allegedly stolen from Karingal Drive about 11.30pm the next day.
CCTV footage shared by the couple’s business, Momentum Café in Karingal, on social media showed the moment the caravan was taken.
A dark car is seen slowly reversing in front of the caravan before a person got out and attached the caravan to their vehicle before driving away.
The video was posted to a community Facebook page with a lengthy statement, which alleged that a second vehicle had acted as a lookout.
‘The family want one thing above all else, they just want the caravan back. If you are the person who has it, you can remain completely anonymous,’ the post said.
The family have desperately pleaded for the caravan to be returned as it held valuable memories of superhero-loving Merson (pictured) for them
The day after Merson’s death, the Melville family’s vintage caravan was allegedly stolen
‘You can return it to where it was taken from, leave it somewhere safe and contact police anonymously, or you can even message this page.
‘No questions will be asked and no charges will be pursued as long as the caravan is returned.
‘This caravan is deeply sentimental, holding precious memories from their recent holiday together with their precious little boy.
‘It cannot be replaced, but together we can try to bring it home.’
The caravan is a 1976 York with a custom drawbar, a bike rack on the back and a bright blue stripe across the middle on both sides. The registration is: 441 35B.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help ease some of the family’s financial strain and to cover funeral costs, and has raised $24,633 since November.
Merson was described by the organiser as a ‘bright, happy, superhero-loving boy who adored his big sister Sassika and filled every room with joy’.
‘His absence has left an unimaginable ache in the hearts of all who knew him,’ they said.
Three-year-old Merson Melville’s heart suddenly stopped at his Frankston home on October 24. He was rushed to hospital and placed in a coma but, died at 11:43am on November 1
The caravan (pictured) is a 1976 York with a custom drawbar, a bike rack on the back and a bright blue stripe across the middle on both sides
Penny and Mo’s café continues to operate under their team, while the couple take some space to grieve.
The fundraiser said the couple have the ‘love and support of their big Greek family, who have filled their home with an abundance of care, meals, and practical help’.
Merson’s funeral will be held on November 26 at 11.30am at Saint Lazarus Chapel in Bunurong Memorial Park.
Frankston Police are continuing to investigate the theft of the caravan.
Anyone with information or with dashcam and CCTV footage has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
