A Waihi family devastated by the death of their three-year-old son want the world to know 'that he was a beautiful boy” who will go on to save the lives of other toddlers.

Julia and Jason Tapp lost their son Ezra when he escaped his child playpen and wandered off through the gate of his Silverton Road home into the nearby Ohinemuri River on Tuesday.

Ezra Tapp's heart valves will be donated to three children of similar age. Photo: Supplied.

Since the death the Tapps have learned their beloved boy's heart is suitable for valve donation that will go on to help save up to three other children.

'His heart valves will go on to save other children,” says Ezra's mum Julia told SunLive.

The three-year-old, who had recently been diagnosed with autism, had walked out into the garden and past his father through an open gate when he disappeared from sight.

His father Jason was unaware the tot had followed him and the family urgently began a search when it was discovered he was gone.

A full-scale search was mounted with the help of nearby neighbours and police, but it ended in tragedy.

Jason soon found Ezra in the Ohinemuri River, 200m from his home, and despite resuscitation attempts, he died at the scene.

'I am heart broken and devastated,” says Julia.

'He was a beautiful boy.”

Ezra never stopped running from the minute he woke up to the minute he went to sleep. He was a climber and escaping was part of his favourite, says Julia.

Its no-one's fault says Julia, Ezra was just too fast.

The family will be holding a private funeral for Ezra, says Julia.

The Waihi community have set up a Givealittle fundraising page to help the Tapps and tributes have been flowing via social media sites.

People wanting to donate are able to do so via: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/EzraTapp