Teenager killed by box jellyfish sting was ‘loving and caring big brother’

THE boy killed after he was stung by a jellyfish in Far North Queensland has been identified as Tommy Johnson who had a love for hunting, fishing, diving and horse riding.

Tommy ( pictured) had been swimming with family at the beach at Patterson’s Point near Bamaga when he was stung on February 22.

He was surrounded by his family at Townsville Hospital when he died on Monday, according to friends.

“Sadly Tommy passed three days shy of his 18th birthday,” friend Tomaseena Jawai wrote on a Gofundme page

“He was a very loving and humble boy who loved hunting, fishing, diving, horse riding and sports.

“He loved sports and was always one to try everything.

“He was so talented, he was selected countless times for rep sides for AFL and rugby league all through the Cairns, Townsville and NPA Region, that spoke of his high performance on and off the field.

“He was a loving and a caring big brother, who will now be truly missed by his family, and all of his friends.”

Ms Jawai said the money would go towards Tommy’s funeral.

“As a family we would appreciate any contribution, and we just want to say thank you in advance for all the love and support we are receiving,” she said.

Tommy’s uncle, Iveno Elia, said the 17-year-old was a “very kind-hearted, handsome, smart and intelligent” person.

“He was also a great role model to my children and he was that type of nephew that never said no or never disappointed us with anything, especially when it came to cultural hunting land and sea,” Mr Elia said.

“He was a humble boy, he was so close to us that I have loved him like my own.”

The last recorded box jellyfish death also happened at Bamaga, at the nearby Umagico Beach.

The seven-year-old girl died in 2006 after rushing from the water screaming.

Her parents called triple-0 while bystanders attempted to revive her.

Paramedics arrived and attempted resuscitation but she was pronounced dead after arriving at the Bamaga Hospital.

CLONCURRY Shire Council has appointed a new CEO.

Philip Keirle has leadership experience in regional local government, having held the CEO position at Burke Shire Council from 2014 to 2016.

Mr Keirle’s fresh set of eyes over the ambitious organisation will quickly flow through to the community.

A special meeting on March 2 appointed Mr Keirle.

Mayor Greg Campbell said the council was excited to welcome Mr Keirle and his young family to Cloncurry.

Mr Keirle will officially take up the position on March 23.