‘Beautiful smile’: Tributes for six-year-old boy killed in horror crash
WARNING: This story contains the name and image of a deceased Indigenous person.
The 6-year-old boy who died in a car accident is remembered for his “compassionate nature” and “beautiful smile” after it was revealed that he donated his organs to save other children.
Six-year-old Ari Currie, from Beaudesert in Queensland, died from injuries sustained in a crash on July 6.
Ari was with his grandmother and cousin when their Nissan Qashqai crashed with a Subaru Impreza sedan at the intersection of the Mount Lindesay Highway and Gould Hill Road.
The proud Mununjali boy was later hospitalized and spent five days in the pediatric intensive care unit before dying on Friday.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help his family, who say he “left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
“Ari was a beloved son, beloved brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, and his absence has left an unimaginable void in the lives of those who loved him most,” a post at the fundraiser read.
“While nothing can take away this unimaginable pain or mend the family’s broken hearts, we hope this fundraiser can alleviate some of the financial burden they are currently facing.”
His grandfather Brad paid tribute to Ari in a post on Facebook, saying he had “the biggest heart” and “left smiles behind” wherever he went.
“Ari lived each day with a joy that many of us spend a lifetime trying to find,” he wrote.
“For someone so young, his compassion was extraordinary. He had wisdom and generosity far beyond his years.”
He was also honored by the local rugby league club in Beaudesert, with one of the teams wearing armbands bearing his name as a tribute to “a young life gone too soon”.
“This was our way of showing the Currie family that they are surrounded by love, strength and the unwavering support of our community,” the club said.
Beaudesert Kingfishers rugby league club also shared their fundraiser for Ari, calling on the community to support Ari’s family.
“We know that many of our Kingfisher families are deeply committed to this family and this loss is felt throughout our club and the wider community,” they wrote.
“There are no words that can ease the pain of such an unimaginable tragedy.”
The GoFundMe post stated that the proceeds would be used to help Ari’s 56-year-old grandmother Gaye, who was injured in the accident.
His 15-year-old cousin Hollie was also injured.
Ari’s family said the “outpouring of love” was “nothing short of incredible.”
“Thank you for helping to surround this beautiful family with love as we honor Ari’s life and begin the long road ahead,” they said.
“The family is absolutely overwhelmed by the love, kindness and support.
“You all helped relieve the pressure and they are incredibly grateful.”
