Grieving Mothers Find Solace Together After Sons Die by Suicide Days Apart

Two mothers have found support in each other after their sons, ages 12 and 13, died by suicide just six days apart. Kaiyah Kennedy, 12, died on October 2, and Treyvon Te Tahi Bradshaw, 13, died on September 26. Both boys were connected to the Gold Coast's Coomera Cutters Rugby League Club; Treyvon was a current player, and Kaiyah was a former player. The boys did not know each other.

Kaiyah's mother, Breanna, reached out to Treyvon's mother, Sarah, via social media. "I just lost my son two days ago to suicide how are you surviving every second I feel like I'm going die," Breanna commented on a tribute post by Sarah. "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 replied, "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."

Details emerged about the boys' separate struggles. Sarah described Treyvon's death as a shock, noting he was usually a happy child who loved sports and had many friends. "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," she said.

Kaiyah, in contrast, had been struggling with his mental health for some time. His mother stated she had sought help for him through child and youth mental health services. "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," she wrote. "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."

The Coomera Cutters Rugby League Club is organizing an event to provide young players with greater access to mental health 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," said club president Joe Smith. "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."

The club has encouraged its players to support each other, posting online: "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." They also urged players to "check in on your mates. Be kind. Listen. Forever remembered. Never forgotten."

Separate fundraisers established for the families have raised over $50,000 combined. For support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.