THE father of a young boy who drowned in Lake Hume last week has thanked those who have supported his family through their tragic loss and raised money for his final send-off.
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Tristan Mack, eight, was unable to be revived after being pulled from the water at Kookaburra Point last Tuesday despite the efforts of paramedics.
His death prompted an outpouring of grief on social media from people who knew the family, as well as total strangers.
Tristan's funeral will be held in Wodonga on Monday.
His father, David, thanked those who had helped raise close to $11,000 for Tristan’s final send-off on behalf of the family.
“Rest easy mate,” he wrote to The Border Mail this week.
“Donna Mack, my family and I would just like to thank everyone for their heartfelt condolences, sympathies and support at this time.
“The kindness shown to our family at the tragic loss of our little boy has been overwhelmingly beautiful.”
Despite having an initial goal of raising $6000, the GoFundMe site had generated $10,829 in donations for Tristan's funeral by Friday afternoon.
More than 220 people have pledged support since the idea was launched last Thursday, including single donations of up to $800.
Organiser Caitlin Keogh said the fundraiser was something people could do to help the family following the tragedy.
Mr Mack said the family was struggling and he was still lost for words.
But he stressed that he wanted to thank as many people as possible for their “gratitude and heartfelt gratefulness”.
“It is truly humbling and comforting to know how much support has (come) from the community,” he said.
“I am truly lost for words to describe how grateful we are for the support from the whole community.
“Strangers and so many people we may never meet to thank.
“Thank you all.
“Love to all.”
Mr Mack said the support was “a reminder of just how wonderful people can be”.
Tristan will be farewelled at the Lester and Son Chapel on Thomas Mitchell Drive in Wodonga on Monday morning.
The service starts at 10.30am and will be followed by a private cremation.
It was the second drowning death in the region in recent months and led to renewed calls for people to take care around water.