Mystery surrounds the sudden death of a 15-year-old Australian high school student and budding artist after he went to sleep one night and never woke up.
Balin Menzies’ sudden death in Melbourne on April 21 has sent shockwaves through his community and prompted an outpouring of support.
Nearly two weeks later, Menzies’ cause of death still has not been revealed, reported news.com.au.
The high school sophomore attended Greensborough College in suburban Melbourne, which released a statement mourning the death of the young student who “made many friends and impressed teachers and students with his artistic talents and cheerful demeanor.”
“Balin will be sadly missed by all,” the statement continued.
Menzies was heavily involved in local sports, including cricket and basketball, and showed much promise as a street artist who painted murals in an around Melbourne under the name Posh.
Friends and supporters have been leaving spray paint cans and flowers in tribute to Menzies next to a wall he had painted at Greensborough Skate Park while participating in a youth program.
TikTok videos have sprung up honoring the beloved teen with captions like “forever 15” and “we miss u already.”
“Words can’t describe how hard it’s been on all of us since you left,” one friend wrote.
“He changed many people’s lives for the better, bringing a positive influence with his bubbly, joyful and humorous personality,” another said.
A third touted the tragic 15-year-old as a “cult hero of Greensborough.”
“I can still hear your voice and laugh bro. Nothing will be the same without you,” another bereaved pal wrote.
Menzies was a long-time player for Watsonia Warriors Junior Basketball Club, which he joined in 2014 at age seven. Both his mom Taryn and dad Brad held coaching positions at the club.
Over the weekend, his teammates, referees and coaches, as well as players and staffers at rival clubs, wore black arm bands to honor Menzies.
Jame Zammit, a friend of the boy, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help his family, which so far has drawn more than $19,000 in donations from more than 280 people, many of whom wrote deeply touching notes expressing their condolences to Menzies’ family.
A memorial for Menzies will be held at Petrie Park Community Center in Montmorency Friday.
The boy’s grieving mother wrote online that guests will have a chance to speak during the event, and large sketchbooks and markers will be provided to “leave a tribute, a story, a not or a tag” for her son.
