A grieving mother has reminded people to always wear helmets when they are skateboarding or cycling after her son died in a tragic skateboarding accident in Malua Bay last week.
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26-year-old Jared Verdi was skateboarding along Illabunda Drive, Malua Bay, last Wednesday, September 1, when he fell and suffered a severe head injury.
Unfortunately, Jared never recovered, leaving behind his mother Lisa Freeman and sister Kiara Filby.
His family has since started a gofundme to help with funeral costs.
"Jared was born in Campbelltown, NSW, and grew up around the Batemans Bay area since he was three years old," his mum Lisa said via gofundme.
"He attended Moruya Public School in his younger days and later went to Batemans Bay High School.
"One of his proudest achievements in life was becoming a chef and working at the Mossy Point Cafe and Smokey Dans restaurant in Tomakin.
"He will always be remembered for his big heart, acts of love and kindness, and helping other no matter the circumstances.
"We thank everyone for their well-wishes, condolences and donations. God bless everyone during this tough time."
Jared's aunty Jessica Ellick told the Bay Post he was "loved by his mum and sister".
"He was a caring, beautiful boy, and he had the most beautiful big, blue eyes," she said.
Friends and family have paid tribute to Jared online since his untimely death.
"Going to miss you brother, you were the loudest in the room but we all loved you for it," Ivan Tomicic said.
"Only the good die young... ride in peace my bro."
"Miss you so much bro! My heart aches," said another friend Kayla Grimm.
"You were one of a kind, it sucks we can't make more memories together, but the ones we did have will stay forever in my heart."
Jared's dad Michael said saying goodbye to his son would be "the hardest thing I've ever done".
If you would like to help Jared's family out, the gofundme can be found at gofundme.com/f/jared-verdis-funeral.
The fundraiser had reached $10,680 of its $20,000 goal at the time of publishing.