A memorial walk and fundraiser held in honour of Torres Weka

Pictures of Torres Weka lined the pathway, giving way to an outpouring of emotion by hundreds of people at a memorial walk on Saturday.

Pictures of Torres Weka lined the pathway, giving way to an outpouring of emotion by hundreds of people at a memorial walk on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Trebonne man was killed on June 8 when his car veered off Abergowrie road near Ingham and rolled into cane fields, just minutes from his home.

Torres had the world in front of him, excited to start a family with his partner Amy who is pregnant with their baby boy, his bandmate Ben Henaway said.

Now, his family and friends have been left completely shattered.

“It breaks your heart,” Mr Henaway said.

“His baby is going to have so many uncles and aunties, we’re going to be here for the rest of our life supporting that little fella, and Amy.”

After spending time grieving with Torres’ parents Toru and Lausi Weka at their family

home in Abergowrie, Mr Henaway said he wanted to offer friends a similar experience.

Known in Papua New Guinea culture as ‘haus krai’, the grieving ritual involved people gathering to pay their respects to the mourning family, whether in cash or kind, singing and sharing prayers.

“It’s been a unique experience and something I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” he said.

“It’s so healthy to grieve together and it definitely helps.”

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Mr Henaway said he was blown away by the outpouring of support, estimating nearly 300 people gathered to raise money, sing and celebrate the life of Torres.

“Music was such a big part of Torres’ life and we just wanted to provide a day for everyone to celebrate in a way that was good for the soul,” he said.

“We jammed together and had a memorial walk where we had some pictures set up along the way with questions about Torres next to them.

“It was just to start some conversations and remember the good times.”

The event raised more than $5,000 for Torres’ partner and family.

IN PHOTOS: Memorial walk for Torres Weka

Mr Henaway said his mate would be remembered as someone whose contagious smile would live on forever through memories.

“I’m just going to miss him,” he said.

“He was a very unique individual, easy to love, easy to be around, he provided so much joy and happiness to everyone he came into contact with.

“He had that contagious smile and was cheeky and by that turn out on the weekend it really showed how much he was loved.”

Originally published as A memorial walk and fundraiser held in honour of Torres Weka