Isaac Hartley tragic death: Ballina community helps Hartley’s Fresh Market owners through tragedy

The community has rallied around a much-loved Ballina family and helped to keep their popular business operating after the sudden death of their teenage son.

The Northern Rivers community is rallying to support the family of Isaac Hartley, 17, who died on Monday.

The Ballina community has rallied to support a grieving family rocked by the sudden and tragic loss of a teenager.

Hartley’s Fresh Market owners Joeline and Shaun Hartley were on Tuesday coming to terms with the loss of their 17-year-old son Isaac Hartley, who died on Monday.

Mrs Hartley paid tribute to her son saying Isaac was “a beautiful person with so much to give”.

“I was looking forward to him growing into a young man,” Mrs Hartley wrote online.

“Yesterday, a piece of me was ripped out and left a hole that will never mend.

“To all of Isaac’s friends, I’m sorry you have lost your mate.

“He was always the one to have your backs when and if you needed it.”

Five volunteers from Cherry Street Sports Club and two from Northern Rivers Digital kept the doors open at the Hartley’s Ballina Fair shop on Tuesday.

Leah and Chris Enoch, owners of Northern Rivers Digital, said they were happy to support a family and a business that has already given so much to the Ballina community.

“Cherry street has volunteered two staff members, and we also have one regular Hartley’s staff member here with us today,” Mrs Enoch said.

Volunteers from Cherry Street Sports Club and Northern Rivers Digital kept the Hartley's business open on Tuesday.

Mrs Enoch said the community had been incredibly supportive.

“Someone, who requested to remain anonymous, came in and bought all the flowers, nearly $800 worth of them,” she said.

She said she was not surprised at the outpouring of love for the family, given the family has a track record of supporting those in need.

“Joeline is quite humble and does a lot for the community,” Mrs Enoch said.

“Hartley’s was one of the first businesses to donate fresh food to Cherry Street Sports Club when they started supporting the Ballina Hot Meal Centre.

“That’s who she is, always supporting community, and that’s why it’s so good that everyone has come out and supported them during this time.”

A GoFundMe campaign was also created to support the family and by noon Tuesday it has raised more than $2000 from 20 donors.

Police declined to comment on Isaac’s death and said it was a matter for the coroner.