Family grieves death of Barwon Valley School student Bradley Hunt

A Geelong family and special development school community is mourning after losing “pure, shining light” teen Bradley Hunt.

Bradley Hunt passed away on May 26 at the age of 19.

An East Geelong community is rallying together to support a grieving family after the passing of a beloved teenager.

Bradley Hunt, 19, who lived with cerebral palsy passed away on Monday.

His father, Paul Hunt, described Bradley as a “pure, shining light” in the world and a “beautiful soul” who loved his family, ACDC music and who had a “cheeky” sense of humour.

Mr Hunt said despite being non-verbal, Bradley was always making friends and had a large and loving community who were now stepping up to support his family.

“He was very well loved, and a happy little boy,” he said.

“Every time I took him out walking down the street, people would know Bradley.

“He was just a beautiful soul to be around, a pure soul … and that drew people to him.

“He’s left his mark on Geelong.”

Mr Hunt said he was heartbroken to have lost Bradley, but felt very grateful for all their years together.

He said he was overwhelmed with the love and support the community had shown their family in this time, particularly the Barwon Valley School community in Belmont, where Bradley was in his last year of school.

“He meant a lot to that school,” Mr Hunt said.

“The whole school is mourning his loss too.

“He will be dearly missed.”

Bradley’s Occupational Therapist Andrea Douglas said the teen had a “cheeky smile” that warmed the hearts of all who knew him.

A GoFundMe page set up by Ms Douglas on Tuesday to help raise money to pay for the funeral costs has already raised more than seven thousand dollars.

“Since Bradley’s passing, his dad Paul, and his support team say many people have sent messages to share how Bradley’s resilience and happy nature touched them,” she said.

“It would be wonderful to be able to arrange a celebration of life where his family, school community and support people can all come together to honour him.”

Ms Douglas said any money raised in excess of funds required to cover funeral costs would be donated to special education school, Barwon Valley School, in Belmont where Bradley attended in memory of the teen.

Originally published as Family grieves death of Barwon Valley School student Bradley Hunt