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Thousands of dollars have been raised for the devastated family of a Perth boy who died a hero.
A crowdfunding campaign has so far raised about $8000 for the grieving family of a heroic Perth teenager who drowned while saving his cousin.
Matiyas Bekuretsion, 16, was swimming with three other teenagers at Scarborough Beach just after 8pm on November 23 when they “got into difficulties” and he failed to make it back to shore.
An extensive search was launched and a member of the public found his remains at the nearby Trigg Beach less than two days later.
Matiyas moved to Perth almost three years ago to live with relatives, but his mother Zufan Mebrahtu remains in Ethiopia and the family is trying to bring her to Australia.
A Go Fund Me page, which also aims to cover the cost of Matiyas’ funeral, has been organised by Hannah Gebrat.
“Matiyas, his cousin and family friends went for a swim after exams in celebration,” she said.
“Unfortunately, they were caught in a rip and they began to struggle. Two of them, including Matiyas, managed to swim out of the rip.
“However his cousin was still stuck in the rip. Matiyas saw this and heroically went back to help his cousin.
“They were both struggling to make it back and he then went under water with his final breath and lifted his cousin up. She was then saved by a local.”
Ms Gebrat said Matiyas was an “extremely selfless and a kind” boy.
“Courageous and heroic, and he did not pass away in vain,” she said.
“He was extremely bright and intelligent, and had high aspirations to become a doctor in the future.
“He is extremely loved by all his family and friends.”
After the search became a recovery mission, Matiyas’ devastated uncle and Pastor Tesfaye Mebratu told NCA NewsWire Matiyas was “a really good boy” who had attended Mercy College and was academically gifted.
“He is kind, humble and friendly. He is strong in his faith,” Pastor Mebratu said.
“He wanted to help the community wherever he went.”
Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
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