Beloved Year 8 student mourned after Easter Weekend death

Tributes have poured out of a Melbourne community following the devastating death of a Year 8 student over the weekend.

The devastated parents of a Year 8 student from Melbourne who tragically died after an accidental chroming incident over the weekend have vowed to raise awareness of the issue.

Esra Haynes, 13, who was a student at Lilydale High School, in Melbourne’s outer east, died on Saturday. She suffered a cardiac arrest after inhaling dangerous chemicals known as chroming.

Esra’s devastated parents Paul and Andrea Haynes told the Herald Sun it was now the family’s “life’s mission” to raise awareness about the dangers of chroming.

“We want to help other children not fall into the silly trap of doing this silly thing,” he said. “It’s unquestionable that this will be our crusade. No matter how much you lead a horse to water, anyone can drag them away. It’s not something she would have done on her own.”

The 13-year-old student has been remembered by her friends, school and sporting community as a loving and kind teen with an infectious laugh.

In a video posted to TikTok, a friend said she was a “loving, kind, sister, daughter and friend who always filled a room with joy”.

“You wouldn’t hear one person talk down Esra. Her life was cut short on the 8/4/2023 after fighting in hospital for one week. Fly high Esra”.

Esra Haynes died on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

In the video’s caption, they wrote: “She was a big part of my best mates life, and plenty of my friends lives, she may not be with us, but she will always be in our thoughts. Rip Esra.”

The Montrose Football Netball Club posted a tribute to Facebook, describing her as a promising young athlete.

“The Montrose Football Netball Club is heartbroken at the news of the passing of one of our own, Esra Haynes. Esra came to our club last year, she played in the Under 12 Girls team where she fitted in seamlessly. In her short time at the club, Esra went from strength to strength as a leader on the field, and at training,” the statement read.

“Era was named as one of the co-captains for the Under 14 Girls team for 2023. Era was determined, fun, cheeky and talented, she will be greatly missed by her teammates, coaches, and the wider community of our Club. Our sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Esra’s family, our support and love are with you all. Rest easy and fly high angel xx.”

Esra’s best friend said she “could put a smile on anyone’s face no matter what”.

Tributes are flowing for the 13-year-old.

She tragically died over the weekend.

“There wasn’t one day in the past three years you’ve not made my day by your contagious laugh and gorgeous smile. My heart aches and it doesn’t feel real knowing I’ll have to say goodbye to you Esra. your so young. you where gone to soon,” she wrote.

“I’ll stay trying to make you proud and continue doing the things that made you happy. I endlessly love and miss you Esra. Rest In Paradise my love. Forever 13.”

Another of her friends shared some clips in a TikTok with a lengthy caption saying she was “loved by so so many people”.

“You have made so many friends, you will never be forgotten … She was taken far to soon, she still had so much of her life ahead of her. I was so excited to spend my life with her but unfortunately now I can’t. I know that even if she isn’t physically here her spirit is but I must wish,” she wrote.

The Department of Education extended its condolences to her family and friends.

“Our hearts go out to the families, community and school that have been impacted by this tragic incident and the school will continue to provide support as required for all affected,” a spokesperson told Herald Sun.

Support will be offered to students and staff.

Originally published as Beloved Year 8 student mourned after Easter Weekend death