Tributes for man who took own life during Gold Coast funeral service

news.com.au

18 Apr, 2022 03:19 AM3 mins to read

Spike Porter took his own life while at a funeral service. Photo / News.com.au

WARNING: This article references suicide and mental health issues

Friends and family have paid tribute after a man tragically took his own life at a funeral in front of stunned mourners.

The tragedy took place last Tuesday, during a funeral service at the Pimpama Island Cemetery at Jacobs Well, Gold Coast.

When he was in the back of a car in the funeral procession, Spike Porter, 25, took his own life in the presence of other mourners, the Gold Coast Bulletin reports.

Those at the scene along with paramedics tried to save Porter but he passed away before a rescue helicopter arrived.

Porter's twin brother, Eddie, updated his Facebook profile with a happy picture of him and his sibling smiling and laughing against an idyllic rural backdrop.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched on Friday to raise money for Porter's family.

Campaign organiser Bridie Pipe shared the fundraiser on Facebook with the caption: "Please contribute if you can; every bit helps no matter how big or small. Let's help this beautiful family as much as we can, help give them the time they need to grieve while taking some of the financial pressures off the family. Forever loved and always remembered."

It has since raised over $20,000.

Gold Coast man Spike Porter, 26, with his twin brother Eddie. Photo / news.com.au

One person who donated wrote: "Rest easy brother. Never got to meet you but have heard some of the good memories you had with your brother."

"You will be forever missed," a second person wrote.

Tributes for Porter have also flooded social media.

"I wish you were here now, so you could see how much love and respect everyone has for you," one person wrote.

"Lost for words over another life lost in this way. Your fight is over and you can rest easy. My heart is shattered for your entire family and all your friends," another posted.

"No measure of time will ever heal the hole you've left in me. To say you will be missed doesn't quite cut it. I will remember and think of you for the rest of my days," a third wrote.

SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 (available 24/7)
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (12pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Anxiety helpline: 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY) (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.