In Queensland, an 18-year-old tragically lost his life in an incident during a celebration, which his family termed as ‘his greatest accomplishment’.
Originally from New South Wales, Sonny Blundell had recently relocated to an apartment in Queensland, taking up a new job in concreting.
Izabella Cromack-Hay, Sonny’s older sister, shared with The Daily Telegraph that her brother had moved to Southport ‘to start a new life with his girlfriend’. She added, “Moving to Queensland only a month ago, which was his greatest accomplishment, he worked the hardest concreting and making himself known.”
The celebrations continued on June 23, when Sonny was with his best friend, Mitchell Bullard. It was during this time that he attempted a backflip at his new apartment, according to The Daily Telegraph.
The next morning, Blundell was discovered unresponsive in his apartment by a roommate and was quickly taken to Queensland Hospital ICU. He remained in a coma, suffering from a brain injury.
Cromack-Hay explained that her brother had ‘hit his head in the lounge room on the ground’ the night before, causing a headache.
She further detailed, “[He] woke up, went to the toilet vomiting and then passed out. That’s when his best friend found him unresponsive in the morning.”
Once hospitalized, Sonny endured ‘multiple strokes’ and a brain bleed, which required him to have a drain in his brain, as noted on a GoFundMe page started by Cromack-Hay.
Tragically, a week after the accident, Cromack-Hay updated the page, announcing that Sonny had ‘grown his wings and passed away’.
“We are all in disbelief and major pain,” she expressed. “I ask everyone to still support our family as we need to bring Sonny home as his sisters are waiting for him. We are all here in Queensland trying our hardest to organize this horrible time and prepare ourselves.”
She continued: “Please ask to donate for Sonny’s Mum, his sisters, family and Sonny’s funeral. Rest In Peace our Beautiful boy.”
The funds raised through the fundraiser are intended to cover funeral expenses and the cost of returning Sonny’s body to his family in New South Wales.
Head trauma or injury can result in significant effects on the brain, such as from a violent blow or jolt.
The Mayo Clinic states that mild traumatic brain injuries can temporarily affect brain cells, whereas more severe injuries might cause bruising, bleeding, and other physical damage, which could lead to long-term complications or death.
Symptoms of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injuries include:
If a head injury causes concern or behavioral changes, it is important to consult a doctor.
You can contribute to the fundraiser for Sonny’s family here.