A small New Zealand community is reeling after the tragic death of Timothy Tu’uaki Rolleston-Bryan, affectionately known to his loved ones as Timoti.
The four-year-old boy was mauled by a dog in Katikati, located in the Bay of Plenty, on the afternoon of Friday, March 28, just days after celebrating his fourth birthday. Timoti’s passing has left his family and the community in shock and deep sorrow.
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The attack occurred around 2:50 pm, when Timoti and another person were bitten by the dog. Emergency services were quickly dispatched, and the boy was rushed to the nearby Katikati Medical Centre with critical injuries.
Despite efforts to save him, Timoti tragically died from his wounds. A second individual, also bitten in the attack, sustained moderate injuries and was treated at the hospital. The dog involved in the attack was quickly contained, and animal management staff took control of the animal.
Heartbroken relatives have described Timoti as a “boisterous” little boy with an infectious personality. His family fondly remembered his “mischief in his smile” and the “little wildness in his eyes,” yet they also recalled the overwhelming sweetness that defined his character.
“A heart full of cuteness,” one relative said, highlighting the joy Timoti brought to everyone who knew him. Timoti was no ordinary toddler; he was a little boy full of life and energy.
One relative proudly shared that Timoti was riding a bike at just one year old, and by the time he turned four, he was swimming and diving with confidence, as if he were 21. His adventurous spirit and eagerness to explore the world were part of what made him so special to those around him.
This tragedy comes with an added layer of heartbreak, as Timoti’s mother, Hayley Rolleston, passed away in September 2021, when Timoti was only six months old. Family members expressed that Timoti’s death has brought him full circle, reuniting him with his beloved mother.
One loved one wrote, “Mummy will be waiting for you, big boy,” while another shared, “Rest in the arms of your beautiful mama.” For many, the thought of the young boy being with his mother again brings some small measure of comfort amid the overwhelming sadness.
Timoti’s family and friends are now preparing to farewell the young boy in a service at Otawhiwhi Marae, where they will celebrate his short but vibrant life. The service will be a chance for loved ones to gather and remember Timoti’s joyful spirit, mischievous smile, and boundless energy.
The dog attack, which has left the community devastated, remains under investigation. Police confirmed that animal management staff have taken the dogs involved in the incident. A full report will be prepared for the coroner to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Bay of Plenty community has rallied around Timoti’s grieving family, offering support and condolences as they process the profound loss of a little boy who was full of life, love, and potential.
His untimely death has left a permanent hole in the hearts of those who knew him, and the community will continue to honor his memory. The heartbreak felt by his family, especially after losing his mother so recently, is compounded by the suddenness and violence of the attack, making this loss all the more devastating.
As they prepare to say goodbye, Timoti will always be remembered for his joyous spirit, his adventurous heart, and the love he brought into the world in his short time here.