William Pfeiffer’s mother says her grief is ‘insurmountable’ over his unexpected death

The mother of Gleeson College student William Pfeiffer has shared her heartbreak over his untimely death after he went for a sleepover and never woke up.

William Pfeiffer with his mother Karen Lynch, on her wedding day. Picture: Supplied

The mother of teenager William Pfeiffer, who unexpectedly passed away in his sleep, has paid a tribute to her beloved son.

Queenstown mother Karen Lynch, posted a heartbreaking tribute on social media following the death of her son on Sunday.

The 14-year-old Gleeson College student went to sleep at his grandparents’ house last Saturday night, but never woke up.

Ms Lynch said his untimely death has left his loved ones in a state of shock, and their “hearts shattered to dust”.

“It is with unimaginable grief that I share the news that our funny, happy, sweet baby boy, William, never woke up,” Ms Lynch wrote.

“Our beautiful son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend died in his sleep. At this time we have no answers, only insurmountable grief.

“My heart is broken, my baby is gone. I just pray that he knew how much he is loved.

“Forever 14, forever my baby.”

LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTES TO WILLIAM IN THE COMMENTS BELOW

William Pfeiffer who unexpectedly passed away in his sleep aged 14, on Sunday, August 20. Picture: Supplied

William Pfeiffer who unexpectedly passed away in his sleep aged 14, on Sunday, August 20. Picture: Supplied

Gleeson College principal Joe Corbo said the school had been in mourning since the death of the “joyful, gregarious young man”.

“On Monday I was surprised how quiet the schoolyard was with 860 students,” Mr Corbo said.

There was a “particularly sombre” mood among staff and students when students returned to school the day after William’s death.

The school has placed a photo of William on the altar at the on-site chapel and two days after the school community was told of his death, “18 students at lunch time were sat there reflecting,” Mr Corbo said.

William, who “was well-loved by staff and students alike”, played volleyball for the school and was a lover of books.

“Last week he was talking to the librarian about how he was looking forward to Book Week,” Mr Corbo said.

Ms Lynch’s long-term friend Nicole Baans, launched a William Pfeiffer GoFundMe fundraiser on Tuesday to alleviate the financial burden for his family.

As of Thursday noon, more than $44,000 of the $50,000 goal had been raised.

Originally published as William Pfeiffer’s mother says her grief is ‘insurmountable’ over his unexpected death