The late Riley Heffernan, who was from South Albury, sadly passed away on June 17th. His sister, Grace Heffernan, is organizing a fundraiser to help cover his funeral expenses and give him the send-off he deserves. Riley was known for his loving nature and the way he brought people together for good times. This sudden loss has left his family and friends trying to come to terms with the reality of his absence.
Grace Heffernan created a GoFundMe campaign to raise $10,000 for Riley’s funeral. So far, $755 has been raised from 14 donations. The fundraiser details the family’s struggle and their desire to honor Riley’s memory. "Hi there, I’m Grace, Riley’s sister. This has to be one of the hardest times for the family and friends right now. We are still trying to wrap our heads around everything," Grace writes. "I’m making this GoFundMe to help Riley get the best send-off he deserves. Riley passed away on the 17th, and our family and the family he created loved him so much. He brought us all together for a good time and was always an ear to listen. Can we please have your help to give him the best send-off? I think it’s his turn for us to be there for him one last time. Thank you, any amount will help with funeral costs. Thank you."
The campaign has seen contributions from people who knew and loved Riley. JoAnne Bell made the top donation of $200, while Maggie Pain recently donated $50. An anonymous donor contributed $5 as the first donation.
On Facebook, friends and acquaintances have expressed their condolences and shared their grief. Trish O’Neill posted, "If you can help the family at all, I know they’ll appreciate it. Riley was one of Campbell’s best mates back in primary school, and he sadly passed away on 17 June. He was a great human, and every little bit helps." Gwen Smith added, "So sorry to hear this sad news," reflecting the sentiment of many in the community. Trish responded, "Yeah, it’s just heartbreaking."
The support and messages of sympathy highlight the impact Riley had on those around him and the collective effort to ensure his memory is honored appropriately. The fundraiser continues to gather support, demonstrating the love and unity Riley inspired in life and in death.
Note:This post was written and edited by Zoe Martin, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.