Angel Crushed by Falling TV

Picture:  Sharon Smith/The West Australian

The grieving mother of a five-year-old boy killed in a tragic accident in Collie yesterday has spoken of her desperate love for her "angel".

Collie boy Peter John Hendrick Gelissen - best known as "Mucka"- was crushed at his family home when a big TV in his bedroom fell from a chest of drawers shortly before 10.30am yesterday.

Clutching her son's teddy for comfort, Lee-Ann Gelissen said she wanted the world to know how loved Mucka had been to her, her husband Peter and their other four children.

"He was an angel - everyone calls him Mucka because he used to run amok," Mrs Gelissen said. "He was the sweetest little boy you could possibly know and he would have touched everyone's heart.

"Everyone who met him would have fallen in love with him straight away because that's the sort of boy he was and now he's gone."

Mrs Gelissen urged parents to remember that time with their children was precious and to keep them safe.

"Just cherish your children because you never know what's going to happen," she said. "Make sure your kids' rooms are safe and don't put TVs on drawers, that's what happened - his TV fell.

"Always make sure your kids are safe no matter what or where they are."

Mr and Mrs Gelissen were surrounded by friends and family at their home in the close-knit community yesterday.

It is understood Mucka had stayed home from school to spend time with an older sister and may have been getting clothes from the drawers when the accident occurred.

Close friend Natalie Ginn was by Mrs Gelissen's side yesterday and said Mucka had been extremely close friends with her son Nathaniel Schagen, nicknaming him "Findaniel".

"He was just so cheeky, they needed a cheeky angel up there in heaven," she said.

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray expressed his condolences to the family, who he said were well-known in the town.

"They are a good family and hardworking," he said.

"It is a complete tragedy and as in any small community, it affects everyone immensely."

Mr Murray said he was confident the Collie community would support the family.

Police described the death as a tragic accident and said a report would be prepared for the Coroner.

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