Brodie McFarlane: Tributes flow for 14-year-old Manjimup boy after motorbike death

The mother of a 14-year-old boy who was killed in a motorbike crash in Manjimup will remember her son as having a “good soul” and “amazing energy”.

Tributes have flowed for Brodie McFarlane, who tragically died after being critically injured a motorbike accident on Perup road in Manjimup last week.

He died on Friday after being on life support since Tuesday but will live on through four others as an organ donor.

Mum Sarah Matthews said her son was well loved by not only his family but his wider community as well.

“I hope he’s looking from above and realises how much he truly was loved and how much he will be missed,” she told the Times.

“He had so many friends. He was so well known, and he was always such an energetic, kind, happy person.

The family moved to Manjimup four years ago not knowing anyone in the area, but that changed when he joined Deanmill Football Club and showed off his loving nature across town.

“People I don’t even know are messaging me. I’ve had been inundated with food — I’ve had kids coming to my doorstep,” Ms Matthews said.

“A lot of kids have really reached out and said how much he brightened their day, and they will miss his cheeky smile.

“He was always there for everyone. He was just a good soul. He had an amazing energy about him. We’ll miss him so much.”

Brodie had a passion for the outdoors and loved being outside fishing and mountain bike riding.

Bu playing football was “his whole passion,” Ms Matthews said.

A “star on the field and an exceptional kid off of it,” the Deanmill Junior Football Club said from the moment Brodie arrived at the club, it was clear he was a talented, passionate young player.

“Brodie was everything you could want in a junior player — talented, dedicated, and hardworking. His courage and skill made him a true role model for his teammates, and he played every game with heart and determination,” the club said.

“Though small in stature, his on-field presence was huge.

“Beyond his talents on the field, Brodie was simply a great kid — polite, respectful, and always cheerful, with just the right touch of cheekiness.

“We feel incredibly lucky that he chose us. His love for football and our club was undeniable and he will be sorely missed by us all.”

Ms Matthews thanked local youngsters who set up a memorial at the accident site on Perup road, which the family visited Friday.

“I’m really thankful and blessed to be part of Manjimup,” she said.

“There was a lady from Royal Flying Doctors. It was Michelle and Alison, they were the Royal Flying Doctors. Usually, when they transfer you into the ambulance, they sort of leave you, but they came the whole way to Perth Children’s Hospital, they were with me for a lot there.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Paul Griffiths and all the other doctors and medical staff at Manjimup hospital, the ambulance staff, the royal flying doctors staff and the amazing crew at PCH.

“They did everything they could to help save him. He was on life support. We kept him on my support to spend time with him. He got to pass in front of us, which is really good. We got to see him pass over and his spirit.

“After he passed, he’s donated two kidneys, and he’s helped some two people over east as well.

“My doors always open to any of the kids, especially if they want to talk to me, I’m very open to that.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support Brodie’s family.