Funeral held for Doomadgee boy, Alwood Graham McDonald, 11
A remote community has united for the funeral of an 11-year-old who died in November, with family and friends remembering their beloved boy.
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A young boy from a remote community on the Gulf of Carpentaria who died last month and was laid to rest on Monday has been described as having “a smile that could light up the room”.
Alwood Graham McDonald, 11, was rushed to Doomadgee’s community hospital, 1035km west of Cairns, about 4am on November 22 but was unable to be saved despite efforts of medical staff.
It is understood Alwood had been socialising with friends before he took ill.
His funeral was held on December 19 and on social media, many people posted messages of support to Alwood’s family and friends.
Alec Doomadgee posted his condolences.
“Today in Doomadgee our families will conduct ‘Sorry Business’ rituals for my little brother Alwood McDonald,” he posted.
“He was only 11yrs old and had his whole life ahead of him.
“I respectfully stand in solidarity with my family and will respect the process … Tribal Lore is all we have.”
Mr Doomadgee also posted a tribute from Alwood’s mother.
“See below a heartfelt message from Mum Jadine in honour of her baby boy,” he posted.
“A mothers love: Alwood Graham McDonald D.O.B 04/05/2011.
“My little baby Alwood loved going out camping every weekend, he loved fishing he loved everything about the bush,” she said.
“He even enjoyed going to school, every year at school he would come home with blue ribbons from sport carnival.
“He would wait for every State of Origin Game so that he would cheer for his team the Blues.
“Ally didn’t have a favourite team, his team was just the MIGHTY BLUES.”
A GoFundMe organised by Cecilia Douglas had raised $3175 as of December 2021.
“Alwood was a bright young boy, he loved going fishing and camping with his family,” she posted.
“He also loved playing with his friends, Alwood had a smile that could light up the room.
“Sadly on the 22nd of November 2022 Alwood passed away, he was only 11 years old.
“This fundraiser is to help assist Alwood’s family with covering cost for his funeral service, as they prepare to say their final farewell.”
Last month a Queensland police spokeswoman said community members were “distraught”.
“Family and friends of the child are naturally distraught and community members upset,” she said.
“Detectives from Child Protection and Investigation Units will be attending and conducting investigations.”
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Originally published as Funeral held for Doomadgee boy, Alwood Graham McDonald, 11
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