Balin Stewart death: Teen dies after alleged fight over love interest

A much-loved Sunshine Coast student is being mourned by heartbroken friends and family after he was allegedly stabbed to death outside his home during a dispute over a love interest.

Heartbroken friends and teachers have paid tribute to a much-loved Buddina teen who was allegedly murdered during a fight over a mutual love interest.

Balin Stewart, 16, died at the scene in Iluka Ave, Buddina, shortly after 11pm on Thursday despite paramedics’ desperate efforts to save the teen.

The teen succumbed to life-threatening wounds after he was allegedly stabbed.

Sunshine Coast detectives have charged a 17-year-old boy with murder.

Balin Stewart, 16, died after an alleged stabbing in Buddina on January 20. Picture: Facebook

The alleged murderer had his matters mentioned briefly in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday morning when the case was adjourned for committal mention on March 30.

A close friend paid tribute to Balin at the scene of his death on Friday morning.

“He was like a brother to me,” the 16-year-old girl said.

“I’ve known him for years, he’s such a nice kid.”

Police at the scene of an alleged stabbing at Iluka Ave, Buddina, on Friday morning. Picture: Lachie Millard

The girl said Balin died “in the arms” of another friend and his large family were shattered by his death.

“They loved him so much,” she said.

“I’m really going to miss him, I can’t believe it’s happened.”

Police revealed further details about the senior student’s death at a conference on Friday morning.

People attend a house at Iluka Ave at Buddina where a 16-year-old boy was allegedly stabbed to death on Thursday night. Picture: Lachie Millard

Child Protection and Investigation Unit officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Hurst alleged a fight outside the house had been arranged on social media between the pair before a weapon was pulled and Balin was stabbed in the torso.

He said family, friends and neighbours had tried to resuscitated Balin until paramedics arrived but he died at the scene.

He said the 17-year-old charged with murder stayed at the scene and helped police with their inquiries.

Police alleged the dispute was over “past relationships” and the pair were known to each other.

A letter to families at the school the deceased teen attended said it was “news no head of school ever wants to deliver”.

“His death has had and will continue to have a deep impact on his family, friends and those who knew him,” he said in the letter.

“I wish I had the right words to be able to express my feelings, and the feelings of our community.

“Balin’s family, and his friends, are in our prayers and our thoughts that we hope give them strength during this devastating time.”

Police at the scene of a fatal stabbing at Iluka Ave at Buddina on Friday morning. Picture: Lachie Millard

The school’s pastoral care team including a psychologist and the chaplain have been made available to talk to students, staff or parents and the school’s chapel has been opened as a vigil.

A teacher encouraged parents to look out for signs of struggle among students.

“Keep in mind that young people express grief in many different ways and sometimes it can be immediate or delayed,” he said.

Balin Stewart, 16, was allegedly stabbed to death outside a Buddina house after a fight over a love interest went wrong. Picture: Instagram

The school also released an official statement to express its “shock” over the sudden death.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends as we stand ready to support them and our school community,” the statement said.

Balin who was a budding photographer and showcased much of his work on social media would be missed by many, according to his close friend.

“He was so nice and everyone loved him and no one had no reason not to like him,” she said.

“He was just that good of a person.

“I’m going to really miss him, I can’t believe it’s happened.”

The close friend said she was called on Friday morning to tell her about the tragic news.

She said a fight had started outside the Iluka Ave home late Thursday after a dispute about an ex-girlfriend.

Detective on scene of an alleged fatal stabbing at Iluka Ave at Buddina. Picture: Lachie Millard

Tributes started to flow for Balin on social media on Friday morning.

“Rest easy my boy, will always be remembered,” posted a friend on Instagram.

Another friend said on Instagram the news about Balin’s death was “heartbreaking”.

“You truly were one of my best friends and always made me feel so happy,” she said.

“You were such a fun and happy person to be around and I will forever miss you.

“You truly were so loved. Life will never be the same.”

Others simply commented “rest easy” as they paid tribute to their friend.

It was understood the accused’s matters would now proceed through Children’s Court if committed.

Anyone with information or CCTV footage of the area is urged to contact police.

Originally published as Balin Stewart death: Teen dies after alleged fight over love interest