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The tragedy of Kai a brilliant boy lost in East Fremantle
By Wendy Pryer - West Australian Newspaper Sunday, 5 February 2017
More than 500 people crammed a Fremantle crematorium on a cold and rainy August day last year. More than half of them the tear-stained faces of young men aged between 15 to 25. They were from local high schools, private and public, some had just entered the workforce or were at university, most played footy and they shared another thing in common: they were there to mourn the devastating and sudden loss of 20-year-old East Fremantle boy Kai Eardley.
They were trying to comprehend why “Kai Fella” decided to end his life.
The tragedy is while Kai had more mates than many people might know in a much longer lifetime, he left this world lonely and terribly confused. Kai had anxiety and depression but to the casual observer, and many of his friends and loved ones, Kai had everything – he was handsome, had a beautiful girlfriend, was a university student and great athlete to boot. He was a brilliant footy player, a cross-country and skateboarding champion among many other pursuits. He was also the much-loved brother of 23-year-old Cam and 17-year-old Joey and son of Claire and Martin.
But while Kai was supposedly living the dream, he was also fighting off terrifying demons.
And like about 40 per cent of the young adult population, binge drinking featured in the mix. Combine mental illness with alcohol, add in the inability of a young man to talk about his illness or to even understand himself why he was so sad and fearful, and what comes out of that is a broken 20-year-old who just wanted to end his pain.
Nic's Friendship with Kai
Nic’s friendship with Kai began in their early teens. It started off with many mischievous moments which eventually led to both being asked to leave their high school at the time. They both ended up transferring to different schools but they remained the best of friends and went skateboarding together and enjoyed a few family holidays away down south. When Nic had his near fatal accident on January 6th 2012, It was no surprise that Kai remained a loyal friend and was by his hospital bedside providing love and support every step of the way. Twelve months later when Nic was discharged from hospital Kai became a regular carer for him and every Friday afternoon they got to hang out just like old times.
Nic really thought that Kai would be around forever but sadly this was not to be the case!
No one, not even Kai’s close family or friends could have predicted his tragic death. Kai’s passing impacted on so many people’s lives including including Nic’s and he found himself putting his life and rehabilitation on hold as he came to terms with this sudden loss. Nic now uses Kai as his main motivation and inspiration towards reaching his goals.
“I love you Kai, you will forever be my best friend! Rest easy, you may be gone but never forgotten”
When I had my near fatal accident on January 6th 2012. It was no surprise that Kai was by my bedside providing love and support every step of the way.
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