Hearts heavy after teen dies
FAMILY and friends are mourning the loss of an inspiring Glenmorgan boy killed in a tragic crash while mustering cattle at the weekend, with his parents saying the teen died doing what he loved most.
Geoff Bertram was seriously injured in the horror accident at the family’s property on Saturday morning.
Emergency services rushed to the property on Undulla Road at 10am but devastatingly the young boy couldn't be saved.
Parents Allana and Darren Bertram took to Facebook to post a tribute to their happy firstborn and said Geoff had died doing what he loved most in the world – mustering.
“We are broken, our precious Geoff’s a very special boy,” they said.
“He loved God, he loved to share God and his way of salvation with everyone.”
The couple said on the morning of the crash, Geoff had started his day off by singing a special hymn.
“Driving out (there) Geoff started singing the old hymn; ‘when I look upon His face the one who saved me by his Grace, when He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promise land, what a glorious day that will be.’”
The eldest of three siblings, Geoff had a lasting impact on the people he met throughout his short life.
Brisbane Tennis coach Brad Johns said he would forever hold onto the fond memories of his time coaching Geoff before his family moved out west.
“I’m absolutely shattered and saddened … I’m really battling to process this incredibly sad news,” he said.
“His energy and love made him an instant favourite in my tennis class.
“He was just a pleasure to coach, fun, full of personality and always smiling.”
Geoff’s church community, Christians at Gowrie Junction at Toowoomba, released a statement remembering the young man for his bright and confident personality.
“Our hearts are so heavy with the loss of our precious Geoff,” they said.
“A young man with a beaming excitement for life and inspiring zeal for his faith.”
The Bertrams’ Facebook page was inundated with more than 180 messages of support from people who wanted to share their beautiful memories of Geoff.
Friend Olivia Hadfield said Geoff was one of the kindest boys she’d ever met.
“Geoff was always happy when I saw him which made everyone around him happy,” she said.
“Geoff and I were house captains together in Grade 6 and he always cheered me on for carnivals and always was so happy for our house even though we didn’t win any.”
Danelle McDougall said her son Lennox would share great stories about his mate.
“Your precious Geoff was definitely a one in a million,” she said.
“He brought so much joy and that smile brightened up any day.”
Myscha Martin said her family and son were grappling with the heartbreaking news of the loss of Geoff.
“Our hearts are broken for you,” she said. “Kye doesn’t understand why but is so grateful to have been able to call Geoff one of his best friends – he will be missed.”
Leesa Coleman said Geoff would be dearly missed.