Tributes flow for Gatlat ‘Jakob’ Tongyik, brother of Central Coast Mariner Ruon Tongyik

Gatlat ‘Jakob’ Tongyik, brother of Central Coast Mariner Ruon Tongyik, has been remembered as a “calm, kind hearted” man as the football community rallies around the Tongyik family.

Tributes from the football community are flowing for Gatlat ‘Jakob’ Tongyik, the brother of Central Coast Mariner Ruon Tongyik.

Mr Tongyik, from Epping, was aged just 22 when he died on March 24.

A GoFundMe page has been set up in honour of the young man who had lived on the Central Coast with his brother Ruon for a short time before they both moved to Epping in 2021.

“On Thursday, 24th of March, we lost our Gatlat,” the GoFundMe page organiser, and Ruon’s Tongyik’s partner Bronte Luff, said.

Tributes are flowing for Gatlat 'Jakob' Tongyik who died on March 24 aged 22.

“A beloved son, brother, friend and cousin whose life has ended too soon. Throughout his life, his kindness has brought comfort to those around him. All donated funds will be directed to and controlled by Gatlat’s immediate family.”

Ms Luff told the Express the family were still coming to terms with Mr Tongyik’s death and were grateful for the messages of love and support.

She described Mr Tongyik, who was working as a courier driver in Sydney, as a “calm, gentle and kind hearted person”.

Ruon Tongyik had been living with his brother Gatlat in Epping. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty Images

A minute of silence was held in memory of Mr Tongyik before the Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United game on March 26. Picture: Facebook

“Gatlat was so generous and open minded,” she said. “He was a good listener and had a very calm demenour. He was also very artistic and very much loved his music. He was very close to his family and spoke to his mum regularly.”

She said Mr Tongyik’s mum, dad and three sisters had flown to Sydney from Adelaide following the news of his sudden death.

The Central Coast Mariners paid tribute to Mr Tongyik and held a minute of silence before the Mariners game against Adelaide United on Saturday at Central Coast Stadium.

“Our thoughts are with Ruon Tongyik and his family after the passing of his brother, Gatlat Tongyik, aged 22,” the Mariners posted to social media.

“Gatlat (Jakob) played his football locally for Kariong Cougars and has been a big supporter of Ruon chasing his football dreams”.

The Kariong United Football Club also took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Tongyik.

Tributes flow for the former Kariong United FC player.

“The Kariong United family would like to extend their sympathies to the Tongyik family. Gatlat ‘Jakob’ Tongyik was a part of our Men’s BPL side and will be missed by everyone at the club.

“Our thoughts are with Gatlat’s family and friends, and he will be missed dearly by our club. “Kariong United will be hosting a fundraiser for the Blackdog Institute in the coming weeks, in memory of Gatlat.”

Members of Kariong United formed a guard of honour during the minute of silence before Saturday’s game in Gosford.

The Tongyik family moved to Australia from Ethiopia in 2003 when Mr Tongyik was a toddler. He grew up in Adelaide before relocating to NSW with his big brother.

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