Pledge in memory of Louis
Family say leftover funds from teen’s funeral will go towards scholarship
Leftover funds from donations for the funeral service of a Whangapara¯oa teen who died at the weekend will go towards a photography scholarship. Louis Duval, 15, died in a freak accident during the early hours of Sunday at home after he tripped, fell and hit his head on some tiles.
The teenager died in the arms of his family despite the best efforts of paramedics who tried to save his life.
Louis is survived by his father, Stu, mother Lynette and older brother, Pierre.
A keen mountain biker, Louis was also talented behind the lens of a camera and had ambitions to become a wildlife photographer.
By yesterday evening, more than $25,500 had been donated by around 460 contributors to a Givealittle page set up to collect donations towards his funeral.
It will be at 11am tomorrow at the Whangapara¯oa Baptist Church.
Any spare donation money will go towards a photography scholarship at Whangapara¯oa College, where Louis was a Year 11 student, and towards a mission project he was supporting in the Philippines.
Long-time family friend Molly Kirkbride set up the page on behalf of the Duval family and was astonished at the level of public support.
“It’s gone nuts,” she told the Herald
He was greatly, immeasurably, loved and his 15 years with us were special beyond words.
Louis’ father Stu
yesterday. “This morning, I woke up and it was on $20,000, and now it’s nearly $22,000 or $23,000.”
By 7pm, more than $25,500 had been donated to the Givealittle page.
The Duval family were heartbroken by their loss, Kirkbride said, but the tight-knit Whangapara¯oa community had rallied around them.
The teenager’s father, Stu, alerted Facebook friends on Sunday morning about Louis’ death.
“It is with incredible sadness and a broken heart that Lynette and I share with you the sudden passing of our dearest Louis last night,” he said. “He was greatly, immeasurably, loved and his 15 years with us were special beyond words. Go well my son, in God’s hands now.”
Kirkbride said she’d remember Louis as “bright and creative”.
Friends have paid tribute on social media. “He will be missed by so many,” said one, while another described him as upbeat, funny and sarcastic.
One described Louis as the “most amazing, kind, creative and wonderful young person you could imagine”.