The heartbroken family of a 17-year-old boy who died after a stabbing in Sydney's northwest has broken their silence, paying an emotional tribute to their son's 'radiant smile' and the friend who desperately tried to save him.
A Family's Unimaginable Grief
The tragedy unfolded at Bruce Purser Reserve, a grassy area located behind Rouse Hill High School, at approximately 4.20pm on Monday. The teenager was allegedly stabbed in the leg during the incident.
In a powerful statement released on Saturday, his devastated family expressed the profound pain of their loss. 'There are no words to express the pain our family is going through,' they told Nine News. 'No parent should ever have to bury their child.'
A Call for Peace and a Legacy of Kindness
The family used their statement to deliver a poignant message against violence, hoping their personal tragedy can serve as a catalyst for change. 'Violence is never the answer,' they stated firmly. 'We hope that his death will not be in vain and that young people will come together, support each other, and speak up.'
They described their son as a 'social, fun, loving, sporty and loyal young man' whose 'radiant smile could light up any room'. He was a keen sportsman, with a particular passion for soccer and tennis. The family shared that they are 'so grateful he had the chance to celebrate this year a championship victory with his teammates from the Quakers Hill Tigers soccer club.'
Recognition for a Friend's Bravery
Amid their own trauma, the parents made a point to thank their son's friend, who made the frantic call to emergency services following the stabbing. They acknowledged the immense courage it took, describing how the friend 'made the hardest phone call of his young life. Such bravery deserves recognition.'
The family has requested privacy as the court process gets underway, a stark reminder that the legal proceedings are only just beginning. They concluded by affirming their son's lasting legacy: 'His legacy reminds us to support one another, speak up, and choose peace over violence.'
