GoFundMe page to repatriate body of Darwin man Adil Abdul Kareem raises big numbers

In the days following the death of Darwin man, a Top End community rallied to raise funds for the man’s family. Now, community members are inviting the rest of the Territory to join the noble cause. Read the story behind Adil Abdul Kareem.

In less than two days, almost $40,000 was raised to cover the costs associated with repatriating Mr Kareem's body.

When Darwin resident Adil Abdul Kareem failed to show up for work, his friends knew something was wrong.

The 30-year-old engineering graduate arrived in the Top End more than five years ago to provide a better life for his family back in Kerala, India, and was known to be a diligent worker, which triggered the concern of colleagues and friends alike, who contacted authorities.

When police checked Mr Kareem’s apartment on June 28, 2024, his lifeless body was found, with authorities believing Mr Kareem died following a medical episode.

Tragically, Mr Kareem’s parents did not have the funds to transport their beloved son’s body home to be buried and were coming to terms with the possibility they might not be able to bury him.

Mr Kareem’s mates in the Top End, however, had other ideas and banded together to deliver their friend one last favour.

Darwin Malayalee Association president Jinson Charls was contacted by Mr Kareem’s friends, who sought to raise the $18,000 required to repatriate his body.

A GoFundMe was registered on Sunday to raise the funds needed to cover the costs, with some Darwin locals donating their pay slips to the cause.

Darwin man Adil Abdul Kareem died unexpectedly last week.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the GoFundMe has raised more than $38,000 – less than 48 hours after the page was created.

Mr Charls said the incredible response by the community would not only cover the costs to repatriate Mr Kareem’s body, but that it could also help pay off some of the student debt which Mr Kareem’s parents would unfortunately inherit in India.

“Whatever we raise, we’re going to transfer to his family which will ease their burdens and of course other things that might happen at a later time,” he said.

“It’s going to be a difficult thing for the family to navigate, because Adil most likely had been sending money to his parents back home as well.”

Mr Charls said the GoFundMe page had also caught the attention of interstate communities.

“I’ve got calls from Sydney, Newcastle, Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne and across the Territory,” he said.

“People asking me how they can support, people from different Malayalee associations and Islamic communities.”

Relieved that Mr Kareem’s body can be buried in his homeland, Mr Charls said the community’s attention now turned to a new target of $50,000 to cover unanticipated costs the Kareem family may encounter.

“If anyone is able to make a small contribution that would make a huge difference,” he said.

“Each small contribution is going to make a difference to his family.”

To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/adil-abdul-kareem