The parents of a three-year-old boy who died after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest have made a desperate plea for the return of their stolen caravan, a possession they describe as holding deeply sentimental value from their final family holiday.
A Family's Unimaginable Loss
Three-year-old Merson Melville's heart suddenly stopped at the family home in Frankston, Victoria, on the morning of October 24. He was rushed to hospital and placed in an induced coma. Tragically, surrounded by his loving family, Merson took his final breath at 11.43am on November 1.
His parents, Penny and Mo Melville, were then dealt a further devastating blow. Less than 24 hours after their son's passing, their vintage caravan was allegedly stolen from Karingal Drive at around 11.30pm on November 2.
The Heartless Theft
CCTV footage, shared by the couple's business, Momentum Café in Karingal, captured the moment the caravan was taken. The video shows a dark car slowly reversing in front of the caravan before an individual gets out, attaches it to their vehicle, and drives away.
A post on a community Facebook page accompanying the footage alleged that a second vehicle acted as a lookout during the incident. The family's social media appeal was direct and heartfelt, stating their sole desire is for the caravan's return, no questions asked.
'The family want one thing above all else, they just want the caravan back,' the post said. 'If you are the person who has it, you can remain completely anonymous... No questions will be asked and no charges will be pursued as long as the caravan is returned.'
A Plea for the Return of Precious Memories
The caravan is not just a material possession for the Melville family; it is a repository of cherished memories. The family described it as a vessel holding precious memories from a recent holiday they took with their superhero-loving little boy, Merson.
The stolen caravan is a 1976 York model with a custom drawbar, a bike rack on the back, and a distinctive bright blue stripe across the middle on both sides. Its registration plate is 441 35B.
A GoFundMe page established to support the family with funeral costs and to ease their financial strain has raised $24,633 since November. The fundraiser organiser described Merson as a 'bright, happy, superhero-loving boy who adored his big sister Sassika and filled every room with joy.'
Merson's funeral is scheduled for November 26 at 11.30am at Saint Lazarus Chapel in Bunurong Memorial Park. The theft has been reported to police, and the community is urged to check any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage.
