Mackay teen Jai Patrick Deguet dies after shock cardiac event
A Queensland community is grieving after the death of a 14 year old who is being remembered for his “loving heart”, “infectious laugh” and the “warmest hugs you’ve ever had”. His final gift to others is expected to save at least six lives.
A Queensland community is grieving after the shock death of a 14 year old who is being remembered for his “loving heart”, “infectious laugh” and the “warmest hugs you’ve ever had”.
Mackay teenager Jai Patrick Deguet died on Thursday after a cardiac event, related to an undetected congenital heart defect, caused severe brain damage.
The Mackay North State High School student was flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital and stabilised in the ICU but his mum Sarah said he was “unable to overcome” his injuries.
“He is the light in our lives,” she wrote.
“He has the most beautifully unique and loving heart, infectious laugh, comedic timing, disarming smile, strategic mind, kind eyes and the warmest hugs you’ve ever had …
there’s so much more we could say about him but for now our hearts are broken for him and us.
“We are shattered but luckily we lived a purposeful life with him and adventured often.
“Jai is now at peace … we love you deeply now and forever.”
Sarah said once they learned their son would not recover, they decided to donate his organs.
“They estimate that his gift will immediately save a minimum of six lives and they had recipients ready to receive the lifesaving gifts,” she said.
“Other donations Jai gave will save more lives in the future.
“The care level of staff from the Queensland Ambulance Service, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Mackay Base Hospital and the Royal Children's Hospital was above and beyond anything we could have asked for Jai.
“He received lifesaving effort from all, 24 hour monitoring and care, specialist teams communicating every development, social work support and we received accommodation at the Ronald McDonald house to be a floor away from him.”
Family friends Casey Kelland and her mum Karen have created a GoFundMe to help Jai’s family “give him the send off he deserves”.
Ms Kelland said Sarah and Neville’s son and Bruce and Tessa’s stepson was a “bright, bubbly boy” and loving brother to Yvette and Jesse.
“I don’t normally ask for help but this one has hit me like a ton of bricks,” she posted.
“As you can imagine with Sarah and her partner just recently purchasing a family home where they were hoping to raise and continue their life as a blended family, this has come at a devastating cost … I thank you from the bottom of my heart for any help you are able to give.”
Jai will be farewelled with a Celebration of Life Service on Monday with the family requesting donations to the Royal Flying Doctor Service in lieu of flowers.
“To honour Jai please wear colourful attire to match his colourful personality,” the funeral notice states.
The service, beginning at 2pm, can be live streamed via Newhaven Funerals’ website.
More Coverage
Originally published as Mackay teen Jai Patrick Deguet dies after shock cardiac event
WATCH: Tiny turtles crushed, lost as lights shine on popular beach
Bright lights in a growing Qld seaside town are causing turtle tragedies as tiny hatchlings march the wrong way into traffic and suburbia, a wildlife group says. SEE VIDEO.
Premier’s raw emotion for father as NQ braces for cyclonic rainfall totals
Premier David Crisafulli has sent a powerful message to NQ with cyclonic rainfall levels triggering evacuations, an airport closure while a crocodile has been spotted in flood waters.