Son of drowned Gloriavale woman injured in fall
The son of a Gloriavale mother who drowned in November was hospitalised after falling from the second storey of a community house.
The boy, believed to be eight or nine, was injured on December 18 about 9pm.
Two ambulances attended and the boy, found unconscious, was taken to Grey Base hospital in Greymouth and then to Christchurch Hospital the next day.
He is one of the 11 children of Rejoice Stedfast who drowned on November 8 after a bank of the Haupiri River collapsed under her.
Stedfast was the daughter-in-law of Gloriavale secretary and treasurer Fervent Stedfast, and sister to Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian’s wife, Ruth.
It’s understood the boy was on a balcony and tried to climb into an adjacent window when he fell. It is thought he has since been discharged from hospital.
The Gloriavale community has been approached for comment.
It has had more than its share of tragedy in recent months.
Stedfast’s death came less than a week after community member, Sincere Standtrue, 20, died following a medical event at Gloriavale on October 23.
On Sunday former Gloriavale member Jeremy Max, 21, died in a motorcycle crash in rural South Canterbury.
He left behind his 22-year-old wife, Zoe Max, and three young children, including a premature baby.
Through a family spokesperson, Zoe Max expressed her gratitude for the “amazing love and support shown to her during this difficult time”.