WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this story includes the name and image of an Indigenous person who may have died.
Kaiyah Kennedy, 12, and Treyvon Te Tahi Bradshaw, 13, both played for the Coomera Cutters Rugby League Club in Queensland and died just days apart.
Treyvon died on September 26 and Kaiyah on October 2.
GoFundMe pages have been set up by close friends of each boy’s family to support them through their grief.
Treyvon’s mother Sarah thanked everyone for “all the love” shown to the family when they “couldn’t stand on our own” in a social media post shared on Facebook.
“Seeing just how many people loved our boy has been so overwhelming,” Sarah wrote.
“As a mum, there are no words to describe what it means to see so many people come together for him.
“I wish more than anything he was still here to see just how loved he truly was.
“You have all helped carry us through days we never imagined we would have to face.”
Kaiyah, 12, has been described as a “beloved middle child” and a “mischievous and loving brother” in a GoFundMe page set up by a family friend.
“As many of you may now know and some may not, our local community has suffered a devastating loss,” the GoFundMe reads.
“Breanna and Matt’s 12-year-old son, Kaiyah, has passed away (sic). 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.”
Each GoFundMe page has so far raised more than $20,000.
The Coomera Cutters Rugby League Club said it was saddened by the “heartbreaking loss” of “two beautiful young boys” and urged its players to “look after one another”.
“Our Coomera Cutters family is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking loss of two beautiful young boys from our wider community,” the club said in an online post.
“Our love, thoughts and strength are with their families, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone who knew and loved them.
“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.
“Please check in on your mates. Be kind. Listen. Forever remembered. Never forgotten.”
If this story affected you, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.