A teenage boy has been remembered as a “beautiful soul” after he was killed in a tragic accident involving a falling tree branch in Tasmania’s south. Malakai Revill was struck by a falling tree branch while collecting firewood with his father in Dover a week ago. The 17-year-old died at the scene while his father Scott suffered an injury to his leg as well as a head and shoulder contusion.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Malakai’s auntie Renee Dent told 7NEWS.com.au his family, which includes his mother Sonya and three siblings, are “extremely distressed” about what happened.
“At the moment it’s still shock and they’re numb,” she said. She said Malakai was “such a beautiful soul” who loved everything from computer games and movies to kayaking and fishing. He was due to celebrate his 18th birthday in October.
“(Malakai was) so fun-loving and such a peacemaker,” Dent said. “Very generous and caring, loved to help people.” Malakai wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after he left school, Dent said, but has completed a short stint with the army cadets.
He also had interests in cooking and mechanics. “He wanted to spend some time just working out what it was that he was truly passionate about,” Dent said. A fundraiser has been set up for Malakai’s family which has quickly raised over $10,000.
Dent said the family were overwhelmed by all the support. “Malakai would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, so it’s fi.