Family and friends farewell teen

More than 200 of Dominic Hayes’ family and friends said a final goodbye yesterday to the 15-year-old budding sportsman who had stolen their hearts.

The funeral for Dominic Hayes, who died at Wappa Falls, was held yesterday in Nambour.

“Thanks Dom.

“Thanks for the memories.

“Thanks for the love.

“Journey safely, mate.”

And with that, more than 200 of Dominic Hayes’ family and friends said a final goodbye yesterday to the 15-year-old budding sportsman who had stolen their hearts with his giving nature and cheeky smile.

The Nambour State High school student died on December 18 when he was overcome by flood waters while swimming at Wappa Falls after heavy rain.

But yesterday was about remembering the Dom who would pop into people’s homes with his “floppy hand wave and big grin”; the Dom who was never on time for anything, but would go out of his way for his loved ones; the Dom who lived for his sport and was a constant inspiration to his team-mates.

His family – including mum Meagan, dad Graham, older brother Joe and the brother of his heart, Angus, aunt Amanda, grandmother Linda and his step-families – sat in the front rows, united in their grief.

It was standing room only at the Nambour Gregson and Weight chapel, with Dominic’s Yandina Pioneer cricket team-mates, distinctive in their green uniforms, filling two rows.

They stood with their heads bowed and arms crossed while their coach gave a moving tribute to his only left-hander.

In just 15 years, Dominic had touched many lives. Everyone from the Palmwoods Junior Rugby League club president, to the man with whom Dom was to start a diesel fitter apprenticeship with next year came forward to tell their stories about him.

As the photo montage played, documenting Dom’s life – from a cheeky and fearless toddler to a cheeky and fearless young man – many were unable to hold back their sobs, but there was laughter as cherished memories were also remembered.

Originally published as Family and friends farewell teen