The family of a 12-year-old girl who died by suicide after experiencing bullying have remembered her as a talented rugby player who brought joy to all who knew her.
Felesha Jasper, from western Sydney, died on August 28 after reportedly facing harassment.
Prominent Muslim undertaker Ahmad Hraichie, who helped Felesha’s family lay her to rest last week, said a child should never feel alone.
‘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 post on social media.
‘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’d asked Felesha’s father what advice he’d give to parents facing a similar tragedy.
‘Be strong,’ was the advice given by the girl’s father.
Felesha, who also came from a Māori background, was honoured with a traditional haka after the funeral service at a mosque.
Felesha Jasper, 12, died last month after reportedly experiencing bullying
Her heartbroken family have remembered her as a talented rugby union player
Rugby was a special part of Felesha’s life after she began playing the sport at age three
In the days since her death, dozens of tributes have described Felesha as a talented and dedicated rugby union player.
‘From the age of three, Felesha fell in love with rugby. It became such a special part of her life,’ a tribute from a women and young girls rugby union group said.
‘She embraced every opportunity to play, grow and be part of the game she loved.
‘She leaves behind so many memories, teammates and a rugby community that she blessed with her presence… See you at the try line, beautiful girl.’
Felesha played with Merrylands Junior Rugby Club at the time of her death and was honoured at the club’s grand final game last week with teammates marking a moment of silence.
‘Felesha was never just another player who pulled on the Wolves jersey. She was one of us. She was family,’ they said in a post online.
‘We shared so much more than rugby together.
‘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.
‘That is what makes a team a family. And Felesha will always be part of ours.’
Her teammates paid tribute with a minute’s silence at a game last week
A GoFundMe set up for Felesha’s parents has raised over $31,000.
‘No family should ever have to experience the unimaginable pain of losing a child,’ the campaign said.
‘During this incredibly difficult time, the family is facing not only the emotional devastation of her passing, but also the unexpected financial burden that comes with funeral and other associated costs.’
News of Felesha’s death came just days before a 15-year-old Sydney boy died by suicide following bullying.
Aziz Passayanavin, 15, died on September 6 and was buried on Wednesday, according to Lakemba Mosque.
If this story affected you, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
