‘Kindest teenager I’ve met’: Young Malakai Revill remembered by family and friends

The family and friends of a beautiful, kind and inclusive teenager have paid tribute to him after his tragic death while cutting wood.

Malakai Revill 17 who died in a tree felling accident at Dover. Picture: Supplied

Malakai Revill, the teenager killed in a tree felling accident, is being remembered as a “beautiful soul” who was kind, compassionate and always helping others.

Malakai, 17, a year 12 student at Hobart College was with his father Scott cutting wood at Dover on Sunday afternoon when he was hit by a tree branch.

Mr Revill, who had emergency surgery, is recovering in hospital.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Malakai’s mother’s sister, Renée Dent, said her nephew, the second eldest of four boys, loved being outdoors and regularly went on road trips with her to Queenstown.

“He loved being in the bush with his dad and out kayaking,” she said.

“He was one of those children who was just a beautiful soul and really cared about helping people.

“He loved his family and was a bit of a peacemaker.”

Malakai Revill 17 who died in a tree felling accident at Dover. Picture: Supplied

Mrs Dent said Malakai had not decided what he wanted to do when he left school but had considered the Army or working in mechanics.

She said Mr Revill was progressing well and is now able to move about.

“It’s going to be a slower recovery for him but the good thing is he’s still with us,” Mrs Dent said.

“All the family are still processing the trauma associated with the accident.”

The family has been overwhelmed by a GoFundMe set up by Huon local Joanne Denehey-Shreeve.

“We’re really shocked and overwhelmed by people’s support and the love being shown in wanting to help people during such a tragedy,” Mrs Dent said.

“The community coming together in that way is overwhelming, but it’s beautiful as well.”

Mrs Denehey-Shreeve said Malakai had been a wonderful and positive support to her foster son at school, always ensuring he was included in school activities and she believed he “deserves to be sent off in the right way”.

“He was the most beautiful, kindest teenager I’ve met,” she said.

“He touched my heart.

Malakai and his brothers. Malakai Revill 17 who died in a tree felling accident at Dover. Picture: Supplied

“Malakai was just so compassionate. He never judged anyone and was always there for everyone.

“His parents have done a wonderful job.

“Malakai has left a hole in a lot of kid’s hearts.

Mrs Denehey-Shreeve said he was the “best friend you could wish for your child to have”.

She thanked the Huon community for their “generosity and compassion” for Malakai and his family.

“I feel thanking you all isn’t enough for making this happen,” she said.

“I’m so proud to live in a place that we support each other when we need it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The GoFundMe has so far raised more than $10,000 for the family.

To donate go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/malakai-revill-and-family