The outback hamlet of Coober Pedy is dealing with a triple tragedy when a mom died only three days after her son died, followed by the death of a local fireman.
Goran Ilich, 34, died on November 12 and was tragically discovered by his mom Elizabeth.
Mr Ilich was a beloved member of the rural South Australian town, 850 kilometers north of Adelaide, with most of the 2,000 residents uniting over the town’s status as the “opal capital of the world.”
The Coober Pedy Regional Times paid homage to Mr Ilich, adding he was well-liked by the community.
The publication stated, Goran Ilich was popular throughout all age groups. ‘He had a natural charisma and was polite and well-mannered.’ His reason of death is still unknown.
Goran’s mother died three days after his death, in what locals called a “double tragedy.”
In the early hours of Monday morning, a bereaved Elizabeth Ilich awoke with chest symptoms and sought friends for help, according to the article.
An ambulance was dispatched, but Ms Ilich died in hospital some hours later.
Friends say Ms Ilich had a heart issue and that the anguish at her son’s death drove her to have a heart attack.
Following Goran’s death, a GoFundMe page was created in his honor, referring to him as a wonderful soul stolen too soon.
All who met with Goran realized he was unique; he could talk to anybody and enchant them with his charisma and personality, according to the fundraiser.
Goran has had an influence on all of them in so many different ways and in so many other places, says the mayor.
Locals and Goran’s pals both paid condolences online and on the campaign.
His buddy Luka Belosevic paid his tribute on Facebook, writing, ‘RIP my brother Goran Ilich. I’ll miss you so much.’
However, the Coober Pedy town was ‘shattered’ once more on Friday when a local fireman perished.
The publication hailed Jayden Watts as a valued member of the tiny town.
They grieve the death of Jayden, a well liked and respected community member, family man, partner, father, son, brother, friend, businessman, volunteer, and much more, the publication stated.
One local paid their tribute to the three Coober Pedy people who died within a week of each other online.
‘Thi has been a terrible week for the neighborhood. They have lost three lovely members of our community, they wrote.
First it was Goren Ilich, then his mother, friend Elizabeth, and in a few days, Jayden Watts.
This year has seen them say far too many last goodbyes to friends and neighbors, and is looking forward to the conclusion of the year.
‘This has been a terrible week for the neighborhood. ‘We have lost three lovely members of our community,’ they wrote.
‘First it was Goren Ilich, then his mother, my friend Elizabeth, and in a few days, Jayden Watts.’
‘This year has seen us say far too many last goodbyes to friends and neighbors, and I, for one, am looking forward to the conclusion of the year.
‘I express my heartfelt sympathies to Elizabeth and Goren Ilich’s family and friends, as well as Jayden Watts’ family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.’
