Coober Pedy community remembers Goran Ilich and his mother, Elizabeth, “taken too soon”

Coober Pedy residents are mourning the death of Goran Ilich and his “grief stricken” mother Elizabeth who died days later, after waking with chest pains.

Goran Ilich, 34, and his mother Elizabeth Ilich inset.

Coober Pedy residents are mourning the loss of long-term resident Elizabeth Ilich and her youngest son, Goran Ilich, in what locals have called a “double tragedy”.

The local newspaper reported Goran Ilich, 36, was found dead in his home by his mother on Sunday morning, November 13.

A few days later, on Wednesday, a “grief stricken” Elizabeth Ilich woke with chest pains and called friends for assistance.

An ambulance was called but Ms Ilich died in hospital hours later.

“Tragic news, Elizabeth Ilich, Goran’s mother died last night of a broken heart,” wrote Su Zanna on Facebook.

Friends of Elizabeth Ilich believe the grief caused by the death of her youngest son, Goran, caused her to have a heart attack. Picture: Facebook

Friends told the local paper Ms Ilich had a heart condition and believed the grief from her son’s death caused a heart attack.

Goran is remembered as a “beautiful soul” who “could talk to anyone and charm them with his charisma and personality”.

“Goran has left an impact on all of us in so many different ways,” Petar Belosevic, a family friend wrote on a GoFundMe fundraiser page for the Ilich’s funeral arrangements.

“RIP my brother Goran Ilich. I’ll miss you so much,” best friend Luka Belosevic posted to Facebook.

Luka’s mother Monika Belosevic remembers Goran’s final words to her as “I love you more than anything and will always remember what you have done for me”.

“A beautiful soul, rest in the peace and light of Christ. Love you forever,” Ms Belosevic wrote.

Goran Ilich, age 34, died in his home. He will be remembered as a "beautiful soul". Picture: Facebook

Goran is survived by his father Dragan Ilich and his brother Zoran Ilich.

His wish was to be buried at the holiest St. Sava Monastery in Elaine, Victoria, which was also where he was christened.

A second Serbian funeral service will be held at Free Serbian Orthodox Church at Hindmarsh.