Source : Perth Now news
WARNING: This article contains the name and image of an Indigenous person who has died.
Tributes are flowing for an 11-year-old boy who tragically died after jumping into a river in regional Victoria.
Emergency services were called about 5pm on Monday after reports a boy had jumped into the Broken River near Shepparton, and not resurfaced.
The body of the young boy, identified as Dre Cooper, was found on Tuesday after an extensive search of the water.
An investigation into his death is under way but it is not being treated as suspicious.
Rumbalara Football Netball Club, where Dre played 26 games including debuting for the Under 14s as a 10-year-old paid, tribute to him via social media.
“One of the standouts on the field, his talent, determination and love for his teammates and the game of football shone through whenever he played,” the club wrote.
“For a young fella, Dre certainly knew how to make an impact around the club and into everyone’s hearts.
“He brought so much to our club simply by being himself.”
Yorta Yorta artist Drmngnow also paid tribute to Dre on social media.
“Absolutely devestating (sic). Life is so cruel sometimes. My big cuz Greg has tragically lost his dear beautiful son the nephew, Dre in tragic circumstances going for a swim in the River here in Shepp on Monday afternoon heartbreakingly, never to make his way back out of the water,” he wrote.
“These are waters where we have all swum, fished, grew from kids to youth, to adults, holding these waters deep in journey, apart of us. So sad that Dre’s experience come to this end in this chapter of his precious journey.
“May the yenbena be cloaking you in so much love neph. So so.much love.”
Following the boy’s tragic death, a GoFundMe page has been launched to support Dre’s family, already raising more than $47,000.
Organiser of the page, Dwayne Mansfield said Dre’s family had not asked for anything but donating or sending a message would help surround them with compassion and love.
“I know there are so many people out there who would love to show their support in some small way, and this is an opportunity for us to come together and let this family know just how much they mean to so many of us,” he wrote on the page.
“Sometimes, it’s not about how much we give, but the love and kindness behind the gesture.
“Let’s come together, Shepparton, and show the Cooper/West family just how much love surrounds them.”
