Moreton teen Max Jamieson remembered by his family after tragic death

He always made others laugh, but on the inside this Moreton Bay teenager was suffering from a mental illness which took his life just days out from his 14th birthday. His family has spoken about his “beautiful soul” to help others going through the same trauma.

Max Jamieson's family have remembered the teen they say had a "beautiful soul" as they come to terms with his sudden death.

He was known for always making other people laugh, for being quirky and for his love of people but inside this Moreton Bay teen was suffering from a mental illness which claimed his life just three days before his 14th birthday.

Now, his family have come together to remember the son and brother they described as a “beautiful soul” after a tragedy they never thought was coming.

Deception Bay High School student, Max Jamieson, was just 13 when he tragically ended his life on June 6.

His stepsister, Maddy Calaby, shared the news of Max’s death through a GoFundMe page she created to help the family deal with funeral costs.

“Todd (Max’s father) got a call no parent should ever have to get,” Ms Calaby wrote on the GoFundMe page.

Moreton teen Max Jamieson remembered by his family after tragic death.

“My beautiful 13-year-old stepbrother suffered badly from mental illness and decided yesterday he was going to spread his wings and leave us.”

Max’s father, Todd Jamieson and his stepmother, Bec Aspden, said their little boy was so different from other children his age.

Moreton teen Max Jamieson remembered by his family after tragic death.

“Max was quirky, he was really quirky,” Ms Aspden said.

“He loved people, he loved board games. He drew pictures all the time, he was a young artist.

“He loved rainbows and he loved rainbow lorikeets. He would look at something, like a beetle and he would talk about the colours on it, he loved the colours.

Moreton teen Max Jamieson remembered by his family after tragic death

“He loved tie-dye, tie-dye was his favourite. He actually made socks and sheets and pillowcases, heaps of tie stuff. He probably would've been an entrepreneur.”

Mr Jamieson said his son was always making people laugh.

“For a kid his age he had a dark humour,” he said.

“One thing that really stands out with his personality is his humour.

“It was not always at the right or appropriate times but everyone would still laugh because it was funny and he would be happy.

“He was happy.”

Max Jamieson’s family – Rebecca Aspden, Todd Jamieson, Hunter Jamieson and Madeline Calaby at the esplanade at Deception Bay. Picture: Steve Pohlner

His step-sister and parents said they were aware that Max struggled from mental illness and was receiving support, but never knew he was struggling to such an extent.

They said they wanted to tell their story to warn them about the struggle other teens sadly often go through.

In what should have been a time they were celebrating Max’s 14th birthday with him, his family and friends gathered around the beachfront at Deception Bay early this morning to lay flowers in the ocean and let purple balloons go in memory of him.

His family wore purple – Max’s favourite colour - to commemorate the day.

Max’s family and friends gathering at the beach at Deception Bay.

“We just went to the beach at 8am for you Maxey,” Ms Aspden posted on Facebook.

“We celebrated your birthday with some of your friends.

“It was so hard, you were so loved.

“We let off a one and four for you and purple balloons.

Moreton teen Max Jamieson remembered by his family after tragic death

“When the tide comes in today the roses and flowers and letters will wash out to sea and you will see the ocean so colourful just like your personality.

“The helium balloons will pop when they get to the clouds and you will see our message in heaven.

“Hold onto it until we see you again, 13 forever but 14 today with us.

“Happy birthday beautiful Max.”

The GoFundMe page started by stepsister, Maddy Calaby, has raised more than $3600 of the $5000 goal as the outpouring of support for the family from the community continues to grow.

Moreton teen Max Jamieson remembered by his family after tragic death.

“I don’t even know what to say as I’m so beside myself,” Maddy said on the page.

“I just want my brother to be able to have a send off that he deserves and help my step dad as much as I can, as he is grieving and struggling.”

Max’s friends and family have also taken to social media to share tributes to their beloved friend.

“He was such a beautiful soul,” one person posted on Facebook.

“Going to miss you so much max, especially the times when we would laugh so hard till our bellies hurt,” another friend commented.

“I knew Max, he was my friend. I can't believe I’ve lost him. At school I found out and I started balling my eyes out,” another wrote.

“I can’t believe he's gone. I miss him so much, words can’t explain how much I do. I wish I could just bring him down here, forever 13,” a friend wrote.