The Coomera Cutters Rugby League Club community is reeling after the tragic loss of two of its young athletes. Treyvon Bradshaw, 13, and Kaiyah Kennedy, 12, both associated with the club, died by suicide within days of each other, according to reports from Australia.
Treyvon, a current player for the Cutters, passed away on September 26. Kaiyah, a former player, died on October 2. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the Gold Coast community, leaving parents, teammates, and coaches searching for answers and demanding better mental health support for young athletes.
A Community United in Grief
Club president Joe Smith expressed the collective pain, telling NewsWire, “It has really hurt our club and all their teammates, they were two of our own and their families were part of our community.” He added, “I have young kids myself so it has really got me thinking about what more can be done to raise awareness of mental health and support the local community.”
Smith emphasized the club’s commitment to doing more, saying, “At the end of the day, community sport is about community first. 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.”
Remembering Kaiyah
A GoFundMe page set up for Kaiyah’s family paints a vivid picture of a vibrant young boy. “As many of you may now know and some may not, our local community has suffered a devastating loss. Breanna and Matt’s 12-year-old son, Kaiyah, has passed away to suicide. Kaiyah was a beloved middle child, a mischievous and loving brother to Malakai and Jojo, and a bright light on the Gold Coast. He was a proud Aboriginal boy who deeply loved learning and being immersed in his culture. He was also an absolute ball of energy and fun. While he certainly liked to test the rules and everyone’s patience, he did it with a charm that meant you wouldn’t have him any other way. There was never a dull moment with Kaiyah, and his absence will forever leave an echoing void,” the page reads.
The fundraiser aims to support the family with meals, financial assistance, and other needs during this devastating time.
A Call for Action
The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about mental health in youth sports. The Cutters are actively seeking resources to help their young athletes, and the community is rallying to raise awareness. This heartbreaking incident echoes other recent tragedies that have raised concerns about the pressures facing young people, such as the deaths of two college students that prompted federal warnings.
As the community mourns, Smith’s words resonate: “One life lost in this way is too many, let alone two.” The club is determined to turn grief into action, hoping to prevent future tragedies.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741. For immediate support, dial 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
