Levi Hanna farewelled by friends and family at Rainbow Beach funeral

Tears were shed, fishing lines were cast and loved ones held each other close at Rainbow Beach as friends and family bid an emotional farewell to Levi Hanna.

Jorina Maureschat

2 min read

February 17, 2023 - 1:24PM

Gympie

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Under the sun at Rainbow Beach, a favourite spot of nature-loving Levi Hanna, the Gympie and wider community farewelled their “star” for the last time at touching funeral on Friday.

The beach was crowded with family, friends, Gympie Devils members and more who donned fishing attire and Akubra hats to pay tribute to the Gympie State High School student.

The 14-year-old tragically died after he was struck by a car at Tin Can Bay Rd, Canina.

Beach chairs encircled Levi’s coffin where his mother Lilly Zrehen would say “see you later” to her son.

The tears began as Levi’s father and mates carried his coffin down to the sand.

Levi's mates and his father Todd Hanna carried his coffin off the beach.

On the coffin lay an Anzac slouch hat and a large bunch of flowers as Ms Zrehen made a heartbreaking speech.

She spoke of how she had been excited for Levi to learn how to drive, to bring home his first “stunner” girlfriend and her surprise when she learnt about Levi’s own YouTube channel after his death.

Levi was saving up to buy himself a tinnie from the money he earned from his first job mowing lawns, Ms Zrehen said.

“We plan on getting that tinnie you were saving up for,” she said.

“And when we get it, we’ll name it Levi.”

Levi's mother Lilly Zrehen said "see you later" to her son at an emotional beach funeral.

Ms Zrehen said Levi’s youngest sister wanted him “to come down from the star in the sky” to play with her.

“I never really knew how many lives you touched,” she said.

“You will never be forgotten and will never stand still.

“We’re not saying goodbye, just see you later.

“I love you, Levi.”

Levi's aunt spoke on behalf of his sister Scarlett.

Family members read a eulogy and his aunty read heartfelt words from Levi’s sister Scarlett.

His father Todd Hanna spoke of his son’s passion for fishing, saying little Levi “struggled to bear the fact” he had to let some fish go.

Todd Hanna gave a touching speech during his son's funeral.

“His contagious laugh would lighten up a whole room,” he said.

“Levi, like you watching those fish in the bucket, it’s my turn to learn to let you go.

“Rest in peace, my beautiful boy.

“I love you.”

His agricultural and physical education teacher Bob Leitch said Levi was a fun, happy and thoughtful student with an infectious smile and a great wit.

A Gympie Junior Rugby League representative spoke of Levi’s versatility on the field and how exciting he was to watch during matches.

“He had the heart of a lion,” he said.

Levi's close mates from school and rugby league all said their goodbyes to their "brother".

The microphone was passed to Levi’s mates who said their goodbyes to their “brother” as they shared touching memories of their years having laughs with the “crack-up”.

The Gympie Devils then crowded around Levi’s coffin to chant their war cry, as they had done in his hospital room.

His coffin, draped in a YBS Youngbloods banner – an ocean and nature YouTube channel he loved – was then carried off the dunes by his father and mates.

Onlookers linked arms and wept before they collected their rods to “have a flick for Levi”.