Two Gold Coast mothers, Breanna Kennedy and Sarah Bradshaw, have turned to each other for support after their young sons Kaiyah Kennedy, 12, and Treyvon Te Tahi Bradshaw, 13, died by suicide just six days apart in Queensland.
Treyvon passed away on September 26, while Kaiyah died on October 2. Treyvon was a current player for the Coomera Cutters Rugby League Club on the Gold Coast, while Kaiyah was a former player for the same team. Authorities and club officials confirmed the proximity of the two tragedies was a coincidence, as the two boys did not know each other.
The Gold Coast is a coastal region in south-east Queensland known for its active sporting community. The Coomera Cutters Rugby League Football Club, based in the northern Gold Coast suburb of Coomera, serves hundreds of junior players across local competitions.
Mothers share messages of grief
As both families grapple with the sudden loss of their children, Breanna reached out to Sarah on a public tribute posted online for Treyvon.
"I just lost my son two days ago to suicide how are you surviving every second I feel like I'm going die," Breanna wrote in her comment.
Breanna added: "I just want to go be with him, as one mother who just lost his son to suicide to another, I know exactly how you feel and I will be forever broken. I am so sorry."
Sarah responded to Breanna: "I feel the same please reach out, we can meet and feel this same pain together we both never thought would happen to our beautiful boys."
Differing mental health struggles
Details have emerged regarding the separate mental health circumstances surrounding each boy before his death. Sarah explained that Treyvon's death came as a complete shock to his family.
"Treyvon was never a sad kid always playing sport, so many friends and whanau and was laughing and texting all night, before something changed in a couple of hours a split devastating choice," Sarah said.
In Maori culture, the term whanau refers to an extended family network and close community ties. Treyvon was remembered by his family for his kind heart, loving nature, and how easily he made friends wherever he went.
Unlike Treyvon's sudden decision, Kaiyah had been struggling with his mental health for an extended period despite his mother's continuous efforts to secure professional care for him.
"I advocated for him so much I had him into child youth mental health services... I was doing every thing I absolutely could and I still lost my baby," Breanna said in a separate post.
Breanna urged other parents and children to seek help: "I will never forgive me self for not saving him but if there is ever a child out there that is suffering, my home is always open. My inbox is open. I will help you. Please don’t ever let another mother suffer what I now suffer."
Kaiyah was remembered by his family as a proud Aboriginal boy who deeply loved learning and being immersed in his Indigenous Australian culture.
Rugby club organizes mental health support
The double tragedy has deeply impacted the Coomera Cutters club, which is now organising a dedicated event to provide young players with expanded access to mental health resources and bereavement support.
"It has really hurt our club and all their teammates, they were two of our own and their families were part of our community," club president Joe Smith said.
Smith noted that while some junior players aspire to reach the National Rugby League (NRL), Australia's top professional competition, most join to play alongside friends.
"While some children may go on to the NRL, most of the boys just want to be a part of something, see their mates and play sport," Smith said. "Sometimes those two hours a week of training can be a break for them and their chance to let loose, play a bit of footy and be with their mates."
Smith added: "One life lost in this way is too many, let alone two, so we're trying to see if there's anything we can do as a club to help get things out there."
Fundraising and crisis support
The Coomera Cutters published an online message urging players to look after each other during the mourning period.
"To our Cutters family: please look after one another. If you’re struggling, you are never alone. Speak to someone you trust, reach out, and remember that you are loved, valued and you matter," the club stated. "Please check in on your mates. Be kind. Listen. Forever remembered. Never forgotten."
Family members and friends have paid tribute to Treyvon with a series of vigils across the local community. Separate online fundraisers set up for both families have raised more than $50,000 combined to assist with expenses.
In Australia, confidential crisis support is available 24 hours a day through Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
