North Lakes Year 7 student Aidan Horne-Shanks’ shock death

A north Brisbane community is mourning the death of a 13-year-old “bright and beautiful” teen who took his own life last week – with claims he was bullied being denied by the school.

On Friday, March 24, 13-year-old Aidan Horne-Shanks, of North Lakes, took his own life. Picture - GoFundMe.

A north Brisbane community is mourning the death of a 13-year-old who took his own life on March 24.

Aidan Horne-Shanks, of North Lakes, has been described as a bright and beautiful teen who was a natural at Jiu Jitsu.

His friends and family have asked for privacy but his shock death has sparked bullying claims, which the school said were false,and heated debate in the community.

The department of education confirmed Aidan was a Year 7 student at North Lakes State College.

A GoFundMe started by Janine Teers and Mekayla Warwick has raised more than $14,000.

“Aidan unfortunately passed away on Friday (March 24) feeling there was no other way,” the public post said.

“Aidan was a beautiful bright bubbly kid with so much to give.

“He was a warrior on the mats with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA and a gentle soul off the matts to all.

“Unfortunately bullying got too serious for him and he felt this was his only way out.”

The GoFundMe page asked for support to help Aidan’s mother, family and friends say goodbye.

A spokesperson from the state department of education said reports Aidan “was being bullied at school are misleading and inaccurate”.

“The school did not receive any complaints about the student being bullied at school,” the statement said.

“The North Lakes State College community is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of one of their students.

“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with their family, caregivers, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.

“The school will rally together and honour their memory while respecting the family’s privacy in this time of grief.

“Support is being provided to students and staff, and guidance counsellors will remain at the school to provide support in any way they can and for as long as it is needed.”

On Friday, March 24, 13-year-old Aidan Horne-Shanks, of North Lakes, took died on March 24. Picture - GoFundMe.

A vigil will be held for Aidan tomorrow, Friday March 31, at Woodside Park in North Lakes at 5pm.

Kaitlyn Howard, a friend of Aidan’s mother, shared the details on social media.

“He would do anything to make you smile an always have your back.

“Aidan’s mum is the strongest woman, she would like his friends to all come together to remember him.

“We ask for you to respect Aidan’s family, this is being organised so the community/friends can come remember him.

“Try an make it loud – words can and do affect people in all different ways. We need to put a stop bullying in our community.”

Ms Howard said Aidan’s favourite colours were dark blue and black, and his favourite artist was Easy E.

“Aidan would do anything for absolutely anyone,” she said.

“Always was there for my boy as I’m sure he was there for so many others.

“So as a community we ask to come together to remember this beautiful soul.”

Community members have also taken to social media to share tributes, condolences and outrage.

A spokesman for the state department of education said the school was not involved in a memorial service for Aidan.

“Out of respect for the families wishes the school is not doing any type of memorial service,” he said.

“Guidance support is being provided for anyone who may require it.”

The department of education has been contacted further regarding the bullying allegations.

Queensland Police have declined to comment.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800