Bendigo cancels New Year's Eve fireworks after girl's death The scene of the freak death in Bendigo. Patiya May. BENDIGO cancelled its New Year's Eve fireworks as the city mourned the freak death of a four-year-old girl. Patiya May was killed and her mother Kristy Thomson, 31, seriously injured when they were hit by a four-tonne tree branch at Rosalind Park in central Bendigo on Monday. Ms Thomson suffered a fractured leg, head injuries and a possible spinal injury in the incident near the Poppet Head lookout tower, the site of the city's fireworks display. She ­remains in The Alfred hospital in a stable condition. Her Facebook page reveals she doted upon her daughter. "When I see your face there is an uncontrollable smile on my face and my heart melts," Ms Thomson posted last year. City of Greater Bendigo acting chief executive Stan Liacos said the fireworks would be cancelled out of respect for the family. "Following consultation with Mayor Barry Lyons and city staff, this was the right ­decision to make and we trust the greater Bendigo community will understand," Mr Liacos said. It's absolutely devastating for the parents and the family. Mr Liacos said the gum tree that killed the girl had passed inspection on September 19. It was removed by council arborists yesterday, as locals left flowers and tributes at the accident scene. The council was investigating what caused the incident and police are preparing a ­report for the coroner.