Family pays tribute to Rickson Williams, 21, after shock death

The grieving family of a beloved former school captain who died suddenly in his sleep say they have been blindsided by the medical condition that claimed his life.

Former Townsville man Rickson Williams', 21, life was cut tragically short when he died in his sleep on January 11. Picture: Facebook

The grieving family of a beloved former Townsville school captain who died suddenly in his sleep say he had unknowingly been living with a hidden medical condition.

Rickson “Ricko” Williams, 21, of Wallaville, in the North Burnett region west of Bundaberg, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on January 11.

His mother, Tanya Wright, said his sudden death had completely blindsided his family, who only later discovered he had unknowingly been living with a heart condition.

“It was a massive shock — he was always so healthy and fit,” she said.

“We didn’t know until after he died that he had an enlarged heart. We don’t know his exact cause of death at this stage but we think it may be related.”

Rickson Williams and his dog Scotty, his “favourite being in the world.” Picture: Supplied

Mr Williams — who died days before turning 22 — grew up in Julago in rural Townsville.

He was also a former school captain at Stuart State School and went on to work at a plant nursery in Rollingstone before he relocated about four years ago.

“He had his whole life ahead of him and had just put in an application to study a bachelor of music,” Ms Wright said.

“His dream was to be a music producer and he had just bought a new laptop and all this other equipment.”

Ms Wright has started a GoFundMe fundraising campaign to help pay for her son’s funeral.

“Rickson’s life was cut tragically short when he didn’t wake up from his sleep,” she said.

“As our family tries to find a way through this heartbreaking, difficult time, I would just like to reach out to our amazing community, a loving family, and amazing friends for your support.”

She said Rickson was an avid motorbike rider and passionate gardener.

“He had come a tremendously long way from the difficulties he faced only a few short years ago,” Mrs Wright said.

“He loved life, and always wanted to be the life of the party, even when there was no party.

Rickson Williams', 21, life was cut tragically short when he died in his sleep on January 11. Picture: Supplied

“Any donations, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated and will go towards helping the family cover the unexpected expenses during this difficult time.

“Although the financial support won’t bring Rickson back, it hopefully will help us to give him the farewell he deserves and some time to mourn the unexpected loss of our loving son and brother without the added stress of financial burden.”

Relatives and friends have been invited to attend a celebration of Rickson’s life at the Wallaville Community Hall, Wallaville, on Friday at 10am, followed by a private cremation.

You can donate to the GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/4f6ce92a

Originally published as Family pays tribute to Rickson Williams, 21, after shock death