Huge crowd of mourners farewell tragic drowning victim, Kailah May

Family members wept and scattered dried purple flowers on the casket of a 19-year-old Darwin teenager, who tragically drowned.

KAILAH May’s life flashed across the walls of St Mary’s Star Of The Sea Cathedral.

The 19-year-old teenager’s funeral was attended by almost a thousand people on Friday as they farewelled a life “that made its presence felt”.

Over a week after the tragic drowning of Kailah, mourners filled the Cathedral to capacity, with many people standing against its walls to pay their respects and say their goodbyes.

Many wore purple clothing and pins to support and raise awareness for epilepsy, a condition that led to Kailah’s passing.

Her father, James May, was surrounded by family as he stoically stood before the crowd to say his final farewell.

James May hugs his son Marley after giving the eulogy at his daughter Kailah's funeral. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“Kailah was born with a mop of black hair and ton of strength,” he said.

“She was a little fighter (pulling) the tube out of her nose and kicking the alarm off her foot ... we nearly lost her a couple of times.”

Kailah lived a life full of music, footy and was deeply connected to her country and mob, often returning to land her Elders herald from.

“Camping out was different to camping in Darwin and sometimes scary especially when they stayed at Lake Conder Mission where stories of ancestors and Elders were shared,” her father said.

“She often spent her time at sunrises, sunsets and tanning.

Tara May farewells her daughter after her tragic passing. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“When she turned 18, her first experience at a nightclub triggered her epilepsy.

“May you Rest In Peace our darling angel.”

Brother Marley May, who discovered Kailah at the bottom of the family pool, read Prayers of the Faithful in honour of his older sister.

“Lord, we pray for all those who suffer and deal with epilepsy,” he bravely said.

“May they live a fulfilling life of love, peace and joy.”

Kailah was lowered down to her final resting place by her family at midday.

Hundreds of people travelled from the funeral service to Thorak Regional Cemetery where she now rests next to her grandfather.

Traditional dances and chanting from First Nations people evoked the emotion of deep sadness from the community.

Kailah’s sister pleaded on the ground crying while her casket was being lowered in to the ground. Earlier, Tyrah cried while she said that she’ll never see her sister grow a family of her own.

“I miss out on watching you bring all your dreams and plans to life,” she said.

“I’ll never watch you be a mum or get to ask you to babysit my kids. You helped change my life around, you lit it up when it was so dark.

“My heart’s broken and I’ve cried a million times.”

Kailah’s family held each other tight as they scattered dried purple and white flowers on her casket.

A final farewell service was later held at the Dripstone foreshore to commemorate Kailah’s love of watching sunsets.

Kailah’s family invited the NT News to the funeral.