Family of 12-Year-Old Who Died by Suicide Share Tribute, Call for ADHD Understanding

The family of Kaiyah Kennedy, a 12-year-old boy who died by suicide on October 2, has shared a heartfelt tribute, describing him as a "beautiful, wild, funny, mischievous boy." Their statement aims to foster a deeper understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the complexities of children's mental health.

Kaiyah was one of two young boys from the Coomera Cutters Rugby League Club on Queensland's Gold Coast who died by suicide within days of each other. He died shortly after 13-year-old Treyvon Te Tahi Bradshaw, who died on September 26. Both boys were avid football players and members of the same club.

"We will carry the pain of losing him for the rest of our lives," Kaiyah's family stated, "but we do not want Kaiyah to be remembered only for the way he died."

His family described Kaiyah as "mischievous, hilarious, charismatic and completely unforgettable," but also highlighted the internal struggles he faced. They emphasized that ADHD is often misunderstood, extending beyond the stereotype of a hyperactive child.

"For some children, it can mean enormous emotions that they don't yet have the ability to regulate. It can mean the highest highs and the lowest lows," the family explained. "It can mean acting before their brain has had the chance to process the consequences, struggling with impulse control, and experiencing feelings so intensely that they can become completely overwhelming."

The family stressed that a child struggling with mental health does not necessarily come from a difficult background. "Sometimes a child can be surrounded by love, have parents fighting ferociously for them and still be fighting a battle inside their own mind that other people cannot see," they said.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting attention, behavior, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Kaiyah's family shared their efforts to secure the necessary help and support for him.

"We fought for Kaiyah. We advocated for him, we sought help for him and we tried with everything we had to understand what he needed and keep our beautiful boy safe," they stated. "I would have done absolutely anything to save my son."

Despite their grief, the family is determined to use Kaiyah's story to help others. "If sharing his story makes another parent recognise that their child needs help, makes another person take ADHD and children's mental health more seriously, or ultimately helps save another young person's life, then I will continue speaking his name and telling his story," they said. "Kaiyah was here. Kaiyah mattered. Kaiyah was loved beyond words."

Coomera Cutters Rugby League Club issued a statement urging its members to support one another, stating, "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 encouraged members to "check in on your mates. Be kind. Listen."

Resources for support are available: Lifeline can be contacted at 13 11 14, and Kids Helpline can be reached at 1800 55 1800.