Heartbreaking way hundreds of mourners came together to remember 14-year-old boy who suddenly died – even though they couldn’t gather for his funeral because of coronavirus
- Buster Vogt was found unresponsive by a retired paramedic in Perth on April 1
- The 14-year-old had a previous undiagnosed heart defect, his father said
- Funeral was held at 12pm on April 20 and only 10 people were allowed to attend
- Families and friends came together in different ways to farewell Buster
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
The family and friends of a teenager who died while walking his dog came up with a heartbreaking tribute to him to get around coronavirus restrictions on funerals.
Buster Vogt, 14, was found unresponsive by a retired paramedic while out walking his dog in Yangebup in Perth’s south on April 1.
The teenage boy was unable to be revived but Buster’s father Martin Vogt presumed the death was ‘instant’ due to a previous undiagnosed heart defect.
Since his devastating death Mr Vogt, his wife Zoe Haddrell and daughter Millie received more than 1,500 messages from Buster’s friends.
Buster Vogt was found unresponsive by a retired paramedic while out walking his dog in Yangebup in Perth’s south on April 1
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, which limits funerals to 10 people, Buster was unable to have a large farewell for him
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, which limits funerals to 10 people, Buster was unable to have a large farewell for him.
But in a bid to get round restrictions Buster’s family asked mourners to play the song It Must Be Love by English band Madness at 12pm on April 20.
Mr Vogt also requested everyone hold their breath for 30 seconds at midday as a representation of letting Buster go.
‘We were glad we had the peace on Monday to just sit and look over the cemetery and know the cremation was happening,’ Mr Vogt told The West Australian.
Buster’s soccer teammates from Murdoch University Melville Football Club also took to their backyards with a ball and juggled it for 30 seconds to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry & The Pacemakers, Liverpool FC’s anthem.
The club also shared a heartwarming video bidding farewell to their ‘much loved friend and team member’.
Buster’s soccer teammates from Murdoch University Melville Football Club also took to their backyards with a ball and juggled it for 30 seconds to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry & The Pacemakers, Liverpool FC’s anthem
Buster’s close friends also shared heartwarming stories of their beloved friend over Zoom.
‘Basically it was just the kids telling funny stories about him which was really beautiful,’ Mr Vogt said.
Emmanuel Catholic College principal Leo Di Gregorio expressed his condolences to Buster’s family and to his friends.
‘The college community is deeply saddened by Buster’s sudden and unexplained passing,’ Mr Di Gregorio said.
‘He has been a valued and much-loved member of our community since Year 7 and he will be greatly missed by his teachers, friends and community members.’
Mr Vogt shared a photo of Buster in front of a mural with wings with a message to all family and friends.
‘Time to say goodbye but you’re in our hearts,’ it started.
He wanted to share ‘this message to the whole world’ and that ‘a friend is an amazing gift and we all need to keep the special ones. Blessed.’
Mr Vogt shared a photo of Buster in front of a mural with wings with a message to all family and friends
Before Buster’s departure, his parents asking him what was the most important thing to him.
‘We had spoken to him recently about what is most important to him and in short, it was always about just being a great friend to others,’ Mr Vogt said in a statement.
‘Given the support and feedback from so many people he was so truly loved by so many.
‘As parents, you just love your kids but the heartbreak that has flowed through the community the last few days has been a wave of grief. Buster’s legacy is “just be a good friend”.’