Adelaide’s Sammy Scully remembered at funeral after battle with brain tumour

A little boy who captured the heart of the state has been farewelled at a moving memorial service after he died from a rare brain tumour. Pictures: 7NEWS Adelaide

Family and friends of Sammy Scully have paid tribute to the young boy, who died last week from a brain tumour after defying all the odds – even becoming an honorary police officer.

Hundreds of mourners – including Premier Peter Malinauskas and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens – attended his emotional funeral service, held at Virgara Wines in Angle Vale on Wednesday.

As the police helicopter flew overhead, the hearse carrying Sammy’s casket arrived flanked by scores of motorcyclists from Brothers Ink Charity Riders.

Outside the winery’s entrance, police cars with lights flashing and mounted officers also stood guard.

All of Sammy’s favourite things lined his coffin. Picture: 7NEWS

Sammy Scully died last Tuesday after a battle with a rare brain cancer. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Thanking the crowd for all their support, Sammy’s mum Alison Harrison described the outpouring of love Sammy had received from the South Australian community.

“You’ve touched and inspired so many people in so many ways,” she said.

“And you did it without changing a single thing about yourself.

“You were so brave and you never lost any of your cheekiness.

Speaking through tears, Sammy’s dad Sean paid tribute to his “cheeky” boy with “an infectious belly laugh”.

Mum Alison Harrison spoke bravely about her little boy. Picture: In Memorium Productions

Mourners paid their respects. Picture: 7NEWS

He shared memories of playing cricket and golf with his son, recalling how little Sammy was able to outdrive “a few of the boys” at North Lakes golf club and even made par on a par three hole.

“Mate, you were so brave and so tough,” Mr Scully said.

“You are my hero. I love you buddy.”

His heartbroken sisters Erin and Abigail read a poem, before finishing: “We will love and miss you forever Sammy.”

Sammy died last Tuesday after a battle with a rare and aggressive brain tumour called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

He was just nine years old.

His sisters read out a poem. Picture: In Memorium Productions

His loved ones left Nerf gun bullets on his coffin.. Picture: In Memorium Productions

Throughout the service, a collection of photos that celebrated Sammy’s young life were shared with the crowd – and beamed worldwide through a livestream.

Brothers Ink Charity Riders social motorcycle club’s president Health Norris also addressed the crowd, recalling Sam’s wish to have a brother.

“So the least we could do was to make him an unofficial member of Brothers Ink.”

Mr Norris said Sammy was known as ‘Sarge’ around the club, due to his police connections.

“Ride in peace brother, until we meet again.”

In the funeral’s final moments, mourners were invited to place a bullet from Sammy’s beloved Nerf gun on his white casket.

In a touching gesture, Mr Stevens – who lost his own son Charlie in 2023 – saluted the young boy, to whom he had awarded a SAPOL Service Medal to in January.

Diagnosed with the illness in 2023, Sammy’s family was told he had a year to live.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens saluting Sammy. Picture: 7NEWS

Premier Peter Malinauskas paid his respects. Picture: 7NEWS

He captured the heart of the state in 2024 when he lived out his dream of becoming an honorary police officer.

He spent time with the SA Police force riding in the police helicopter, on the police boat, visiting the police horses and dogs.

His mum detailed his heartbreaking final words, telling The Advertiser he would never be forgotten.

“We would grab each other’s little pinky fingers and say, together: ‘together, forever, always’,” she said.

“And that is the last thing he said to me.”

Tributes flowed after news of his death broke, with the Premier and Police Commissioner leading the charge.

“It is with great sadness that I on behalf of all South Australia Police extend our condolences to his mum Alison, sisters Erin and Abigail and dad Sean as well as all his friends at Angle Vale Primary School,” Mr Stevens said.

“Sammy demonstrated the power of hope and he will be remembered for it,” Mr Malinauskas said.

His family confirmed his brain would be donated to medical research.

Originally published as Adelaide’s Sammy Scully remembered at funeral after battle with brain tumour