Late last year, Jayden Burleigh reflected on the devastating death of his little brother Lachlan in a triple fatal car crash in the Blue Mountains.
“Let your little light shine Lachie Burleigh. I miss your physical presence like nothing else,” Jayden wrote in an online tribute to his 17-year-old brother.
“My little bro man, thank you for giving me that special strength. It’s just really hard for me right now trying to fathom turning this into a reality.”
Brothers Jayden, left, and Lachie Burleigh died eight months apart.
Brothers Jayden, left, and Lachie Burleigh died eight months apart. Photo: Supplied
Now, the Burleigh family from Warriewood on Sydney’s northern beaches have been dealt another crushing blow, following the unexpected death of Jayden, 22, on the weekend, a short time after he was hospitalised for a redback spider bite.
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Their parents Deborah and Mike Burleigh, who have now lost two sons in just eight months, said Jayden was adored and respected by so many people.
“There is an immensely deep hole on this planet now, and his loss cannot be comprehended by the human heart,” they said. “However, his legacy will eternally live on as he continues his heavenly adventures together with Lachie.”
Mr and Mrs Burleigh said the cause of Jayden’s death would not be known for several weeks.
“What we do know is that only a week ago he was in hospital, recovering from an infection due to a redback spider bite,” Mrs Burleigh said.
“He had a general anaesthetic to drain a severe abscess at Nambour Hospital [in Queensland] and was there for four days. He had also just recovered from injuries sustained in a car accident a few weeks prior.”
His unexpected death came after Lachlan, 17, died in August when the vehicle he was a passenger in crashed on the Bells Line of Road at Bilpin.
Lachlan and his friends were heading home from a dance music festival, Psyfari, when their car collided head-on with another vehicle on the afternoon of August 30.
The young driver in Lachlan’s car survived with non-life-threatening injuries, but Lachlan and two other young men, Ben Sawyer, 19, and Luke Shanahan, 21, also died.
Lachlan’s death had deeply affected Jayden, Mrs Burleigh said, but Jayden had the “amazing ability to thrive through hardship and always bring joy and energy wherever he went”.
He also often had people in stitches with his stories, his parents said.
“It was only eight days ago while he was laid up after surgery in his hospital bed that he was on the phone to me relaying his hilarious experiences during hospital. That was him to a tee,” Mrs Burleigh said.
“Always adventurous, generous, creative and innovative. He adored nature, thrived on climbing mountains, exploring forests, diving in oceans, meeting people, and planning his next adventures. His friends and family were deeply loved by him. He was adored and respected by a multitude. He left a residue of sunshine and the extraordinary wherever he went and with whomever he was with.”
Jayden’s death shocked his many friends, who flooded Facebook with messages of condolence.
“Absolutely shattering news you have left this world to be reunited with Lachie,” a friend, Tim Stanton wrote on Facebook. “Have a beer with the boys up there for us. Thinking of you mate x.”
Another friend wrote: “Rest In Peace Jayden Burleigh, you’re now with your amazing brother in heaven. You were such an amazing boy and supported me so much. Your kind heart and beautiful soul will never be forgotten.”
Joey Atkins wrote that he had lost one of his “oldest and closest friends”.
“My love goes to the Burleigh family, who have lost 2 sons in the space of a year, both which i considered to be family of my own,” he wrote. “I have no words, I don’t think I ever will. I love you mate, throughout everything I always loved you. my heart is broken. Keep paradise warm for me bro, I know I will see you again someday.”
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-family-mourns-death-of-second-son-in-eight-months-after-redback-spider-bite-20160411-go3z4d.html#ixzz45a57z2Cs
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This poor family. I wish them all the best in the future. Please book in to a first aid training course in Canberra so that you can handle a bite or sting situation. There are many first aid training courses held in Canberra throughout the year and the best place to get your nationally recognised certificate is at a first aid training course with Canberra First Aid and Training.