Tragedy stalks family of boy who died in sea off Dunedin

The late Vinnie Beecroft with mother Michaela Beecroft (right) and close relative Kathy Peters (left). Photo / supplied

Following the recovery of Vinnie Beecroft's body off the coast of Dunedin at the weekend, the community is rallying around the 14-year-old's disabled mother Michaela.

Vinnie went missing last Thursday after he jumped into the water from a cliff at Second
Beach and did not return to shore.

He was found by searchers on Sunday.
For Mrs Beecroft, it was another bitterly cruel blow in her already traumatic life.

Her relative, legal power of attorney and property manager Kathy Peters said Beecroft
was in a serious car crash near Christchurch six years ago, which left her critically injured and on life-support.

When the medical team suggested that all life support be ended, her small family persuaded doctors to put the decision on hold, and she made an extraordinary recovery.

''They were assured by those that knew Michaela best, that if anyone could survive, it would be her,'' Peters said.

Beecroft now lives with a traumatic brain injury which has left her legally blind.

It was not the first time she had suffered major anguish.

When she was a child, her mother Karen Beecroft died, aged 39, of breast cancer.
A few years later, her father Dave died, aged 43. He had been diving when he surfaced after having a cerebal haemorrhage.

He was put on life support until 15-year-old Michaela made the difficult decision to turn it off and donate her father's organs. His death left her and her brother orphaned.
It was a devastating time for her, Peters said.

''The family played together and the sea was a big part of their life.
''The family simply did everything together and led a life balanced by hard work and making the most of their time together.''

Over the years, the children were separated and lived in different households. Eventually
they lost contact, she said.

''They floundered in their grief and went through life very much alone, struggling to make
sense of their loss.''
It was not until Beecroft gave birth to Vinnie in her early 20s, that she found joy and hope
again.

''Her dedication as a mother and her struggles to provide for Vinnie were huge, but her
strength, guts and determination gave her that fighting spirit that we all knew she needed to survive after the car accident.

''Michaela has been able to be at home with the help of support workers, and Vinnie was her reason for living after the accident.

''The ability, as humans, to be taken to the lowest point of heartbreak and tragedy but survive and still have hope, is the story behind this courageous woman.''

Peters said Ms Beecroft was once ''fiercely independent'', but now required support to go
out alone or do some every day tasks.

So a Givealittle page has been set up for Mrs Beecroft to pay any costs incurred with the loss of Vinnie, and to assist her or those in need.

''Michaela is and has always been proud and strong, so although she is aware and supports the formation of the ''Embraced by an Angel'' Givealittle page, her ability to manage and get through life independently will continue.''