By Alesha Capone
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the death of Wyndham Vale teenager Bless Mulukwat Akoch.
Police and emergency services were called to Eagle Stadium in Werribee about 5.50pm on Friday. Bless, 17, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries where he later died.
A Wyndham Vale teenager who was assisting police with their inquiries on Saturday and later released was yesterday charged with murder.
He was expected to appear in a children’s court yesterday afternoon.
Counselling has been offered to community members and friends shocked by Bless’ death.
Good News Lutheran College principal Fiona McAuliffe issued a statement that “the entire school community is mourning”.
Bless, known to his friends as D’Roy, was studying year 12 at the college.
He was remembered as a student who enjoyed basketball and music.
“His family is suffering the loss of an only son and grandson,” the statement read.
“His teachers and classmates are suffering the loss of a student and friend.”
Ms McAuliffe said the school community’s focus would be on supporting Bless’ family and friends “who are shocked and bewildered at his sudden death”.
“We will have additional counselling and pastoral support available … and targeted sessions for our year 12 students,” she wrote.
A Wyndham council spokesperson said both the council and WynActive extended their condolences to Bless’ family.
“We also recognise the impact the incident can have on young people and their families and the need for support,” the spokesperson said.
The council’s Youth Counselling Team was made available for drop-in counselling on Monday and Tuesday this week, at the Youth Resource Centre in Hoppers Crossing.
“WynActive is also providing support and assistance to staff and community members who have been affected by this incident,” the spokesperson said.
A GoFundMe fundraising campaign, started by a friend of Bless’, has raised almost $6000 to help with funeral costs.
