Coolum Colts player Kupa Parata, 15, honured after death

The Sunshine Coast rugby league community has banded together with strength and love following the sudden death of a “talented and fearless” teenager, as they fundraise to have his body laid to rest back in his New Zealand hometown.

Coolum Colts player Kupa Parata, 15, with his sister Tiare Parata Picture - Facebook.

The Sunshine Coast rugby league community has banded together with strength and love following the sudden death of a talented teenager, as they fundraise to have his body laid to rest back in his New Zealand hometown.

Tributes are flowing for Coolum Colts player Kupa Parata, 15, originally from New Zealand, following his shock death on Thursday, August 29.

The club shared a heartfelt tribute to their fallen star after Kupa’s under-16s team played like they never had before on Saturday in his honour.

“In the face of the unthinkable, community becomes our lifeline, our shelter, and our guiding light. Together we get through the unthinkable,” the club posted.

“This saying has never felt more true, for our Coolum Colts community. To be part of this club normally, you already have this amazing sense of community and family.

Kupa Parata.

“But with the recent unexpected passing of one of our very own juniors, Kupa, we have seen our beautiful community club come together in ways that exceeds any expectations we had.”

The under-16 boys won their preliminary final to storm into the decider for their mate.

“Despite the overwhelming emotions they had going on – it didn’t take any organising at all, for our whole club across seniors and juniors to show up and rally around the team,” the club wrote.

“The boys got out there and played with everything they had, to do Kupa proud. But boy, did they do everyone proud.

“The boys gave the effort of a lifetime and came away with the win, to make the grand final next weekend, in front of a massive crowd that showed up to support them and each other.

“To have Kupa’s parents there to see the way that not only his team came together for their son, but to see how our whole club bands together under such tragic circumstances, is just amazing – we are so happy that you felt that being with us all is what you needed.”

Coolum Colts player Kupa Parata (right) with his family. Picture - give a little.

The club also shared a GoFundMe campaign created for the family of the Coolum State High School student.

“These funds will go towards easing the burden on his family, as they organise to take Kupa back home to New Zealand to his final resting place and anything above this, will be able to cover their normal living costs to they hopefully won’t have to return to work soon,” the page said.

“No parent should have to go through what they are going through and hopefully we can all help to ease their financial burden at this devastating time.”

Randall Walker also created a page to campaign for the devastated family.

“Kupa was a gorgeous, talented and fearless young man who touched so many hearts on both sides of the Tasman throughout his 15 years. His family, friends and communities in both countries are reeling as they try to comprehend this immense loss,” Mr Walker said.

Kupa's team stand united for him. Photo: Coolum Colts

“On behalf of his parents, Damian and Tosca, his sisters Tiare and Caylee, and the amazing Parata whānau, we are reaching out for support to help fund the significant costs associated with bringing Kupa James back to his homeland Aotearoa/New Zealand and funeral arrangements.”

Denise Parata, the grandmother of Kupa, paid tribute to the 15-year-old online.

“We are grateful and overwhelmed by the community support and strength you have given our family at this tragic time,” she said.

“Damian and Tosca and family are blessed to be part of your club. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

“Well done boys, a game well played by all accounts.”