The shattered family of a six-year-old boy who drowned in a neighbour’s pool have shared a heartbreaking tribute as they prepare to say goodbye.
Jima Kon Jima was reported missing from a relative’s home in Woodville West, in west Adelaide, on the morning October 13.
Police and SES crews launched an urgent search, which came to a grim end hours later when a police helicopter located Jima’s submerged body in a neighbour’s pool.
Paramedics performed CPR but were, unable to revive him.
Family member Jane Erjok has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to pay tribute to the ‘beautiful soul’.
‘It is with unimaginable sadness that we share the loss of our precious Jima, a beautiful six-year-old boy whose light, laughter, and cheekiness touched the hearts of everyone who knew him,’ Ms Erjok wrote.
‘Though his time with us was heartbreakingly short, the joy, love, and warmth he brought into our lives will forever remain.
‘Our hearts are shattered, and as we try to navigate this painful journey, we wish to honour Jima’s beautiful soul with the farewell and celebration of life he truly deserves.’
Six-year-old Jima Kon Jima (pictured) has been remembered by family as a ‘beautiful soul’ whose ‘light, laughter, and cheekiness touched the hearts of everyone who knew him’
One month on, Jima’s family are preparing to farewell to the six-year-old
Jima’s distraught mother was seen sobbing outside the home on the day of the tragedy while being comforted by relatives.
It’s understood the pool had all proper safety guards in place, including a fence.
Police treated Jima’s death as ‘non-suspicious’ and are preparing a report for the coroner.
Friends and family mourned Jima at a candlelight vigil a week after the tragedy.
Family member Taban Abel Aguek revealed at the time that Jima held a symbolic place in the family’s history.
‘It’s a very sad day learning the tragic loss of our cute angel Jima Adomic Jima Chor Malek,’ he wrote on social media.
‘The late Jima Jnr was symbolic in our family.’
‘For us he was the New Jima, who was the immediate follower of my mother and a veteran SPLA officer that lost his life in the line of duty in the wrangles of 1991 SPLA split in Upper Nile.’
Jima has been remembered as a beautiful six-year-old boy whose light, laughter, and cheekiness touched the hearts of everyone who knew him
Jima’s family are still coming to terms with the heartbreaking loss
The GoFundMe campaign has so far raised nearly $4000.
Ms Erjok said the proceeds would go towards Jima’s funeral arrangements and memorial service, adding no amount is too small.
‘We humbly appeal to our family, friends, and community to assist us during this difficult time,’ she wrote.
‘Your contributions will go toward Jima’s funeral arrangements and memorial service, allowing us to celebrate his life with the dignity and love he so richly gave to others.’
