A family outing at a junior rugby tournament in Australia turned into a nightmare when a 4-year-old girl was run over by a golf cart and rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Kaleia Mu’a was attending the Prime Nines Tournament at the Tugun Rugby League Club on Australia’s Gold Coast with her family on Sunday, Sept. 27, when the accident happened shortly after 10 a.m.
The young girl suffered a fractured skull, multiple brain bleeds, internal bleeding and a broken leg.
Two young boys were also injured in the incident, while a woman in her 60s suffered minor injuries.
Kaleia was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital, where she was admitted to the children’s critical care unit.
Her parents, Joe Mu’a and Amber Morton, have remained by her side.
Family friend Jordan Akauola organized a fundraiser to help the family with medical costs, time away from work and other expenses while Kaleia receives treatment.
The fundraiser described the incident as a “devastating freak accident” and said Kaleia’s brothers — Kingston, Kohen and Khobie — were standing behind their little sister and hoping for her recovery.
By Tuesday, there was encouraging news.
The hospital confirmed that Kaleia’s condition had stabilized.
Her father also shared an emotional update saying the family finally felt able to tell people that their little girl was going to be okay.
He described the days following the accident as some of the longest and most terrifying of their lives.
Despite the seriousness of her injuries, he said Kaleia continued to amaze the family with her strength.
“She is a little fighter,” he wrote.
The accident happened during the Prime Nines rugby league carnival, which was being held at Tugun Rugby League Club.
Published reports say the tournament was organized by former NRL player Tyrone Peachey. Queensland Rugby League later clarified that the event was not an officially sanctioned QRL competition.
Organizers also expressed support for Kaleia and her family following the accident.
The Mu’a family reportedly moved to the Gold Coast from Toowoomba to support older brother Kingston’s rugby league development.
Kaleia’s father also has a connection to the sport, having previously played with the Gold Coast Titans under-20s and in the Queensland Cup.
For now, however, the family’s attention remains entirely focused on Kaleia’s recovery.
What began as a normal Sunday at a sporting event quickly became an ordeal no parent expects to face.
But after several frightening days, Kaleia’s improving condition has given her family and supporters reason to hope that the young girl will eventually be able to return home.
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