The family of 12-year-old Felesha Jasper have paid tribute to the western Sydney schoolgirl after her death by suicide, remembering her as a gifted rugby player who brought happiness to those around her.
Felesha died on August 28 after reportedly experiencing bullying. Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from relatives, teammates and the wider rugby community.
Muslim undertaker Ahmad Hraichie, who helped the family arrange her funeral, said no child should feel isolated or unable to ask for help.
“A 12-year-old should be dreaming about her future, playing rugby and enjoying her childhood – not being farewelled by her family,” he said in a social media post.
“May her passing be a reminder to all of us to protect our children, stand against bullying and never underestimate the pain a young person may be carrying.”
Mr Hraichie said he had asked Felesha’s father what message he would offer other parents facing a similar tragedy. The father’s response was: “Be strong.”
Felesha Jasper remembered by rugby teammates
Felesha, who had Māori heritage, was honoured with a traditional haka after her funeral service at a mosque.
She had played rugby union from the age of three and was a member of Merrylands Junior Rugby Club when she died. Tributes described her as a dedicated player who embraced every opportunity to develop and take part in the sport she loved.
“She leaves behind so many memories, teammates and a rugby community that she blessed with her presence,” one women’s and girls’ rugby union group said. “See you at the try line, beautiful girl.”
Her teammates held a minute’s silence in her memory during the club’s grand final last week.
“Felesha was never just another player who pulled on the Wolves jersey. She was one of us. She was family,” Merrylands Junior Rugby Club said.
“We shared the nerves before games, the exhaustion afterwards, the laughs at training, the sideline banter, the celebrations, the tough losses and all those little moments in between that we probably didn’t realise at the time would become memories we will treasure forever.”
A fundraising page set up to help Felesha’s parents with funeral and other associated costs has raised more than 31,000 Australian dollars.
“No family should ever have to experience the unimaginable pain of losing a child,” the appeal said, describing the family’s emotional devastation and unexpected financial burden.
Felesha’s death came days before the death of 15-year-old Aziz Passayanavin, another Sydney boy who reportedly experienced bullying. Lakemba Mosque said Aziz died on September 6 and was buried on Wednesday.
In Australia, Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
