Touching moment footy star sends a video message to the devastated mum of a boy, 14, who killed himself after being bullied - here's his message to schoolkids
- Ante Sutalo, 13, took his life at Yanchep, 50km north of Perth, on Tuesday
- The tragedy allegedly happened after he was bullied at his high school
- His mother Lora has shared a tribute to her son days after his tragic death
- NRL star Kalyn Ponga was among those to share moving tributes to the teen
A rugby league superstar who was the favourite player of a teenager who tragically took his own life has recorded a touching tribute to the boy, while his shattered mother tries to cope.
Queensland rep Kalyn Ponga recorded a video message for the family of Ante Sutalo, 13, who died last Wednesday after being bullied at school.
The video message comes as Lora Sutalo told Daily Mail Australia, 'My life is broken without Ante'.
Ponga, 23, recorded his message on Tuesday, in memory of 'the little man', who had Ponga's poster on his bedroom wall and idolised the Port Hedland-born player.
Queensland rugby league star Kalyn Ponga spoke kindly of 'little man' Ante Sutalo in a tribute on social media. Sutalo, 13, passed away after a bullying incident last week
'I would like everyone on this page to see this boy, however you are comfortable connecting, his vibe, his soul, his face or just his photo,' blogger Constance Hall wrote of Ante Sutalo
The normally sports-mad Ante begged to stay home from a sports carnival the day after an alleged bullying incident. Ante Sutalo (front) is pictured with his mum Lora and his brother and sister
'Hey guys, Kalyn here. I just want to send all my love and support to you guys, I know you are doing it tough. It would be so hard.
'I didn't get to meet the little man, but from what I know he was a fan of me and I think that's pretty cool and he was a fan of sport in general. He played everything and he loved his sport.'
'No doubt he's up there looking down on us with a smile, he's at peace now.
'He's looking after us, so to everyone that's doing it tough, just stick by each other, support is the easiest way to get through these things.
'My thoughts are with you and everyone. All the best guys.'
Ante Sutalo, 13, died on Tuesday after taking his own life. Pictured here with a wristband reading 'player of the match'
Samoan international and former Western Force rugby player Henry Stowers knew Ante Sutalo was 'a good soul' from meeting him. Ante family is devastated and battling to cope with his sudden loss
Shattered mother Lora Sutalo told Daily Mail Australia 'my life is broken without Ante', but she thanked people for supporting her family
Henry Stowers, a former Western Force rugby player also sent a video tribute.
'I want to send my love and prayers to Ante's family and friends, he said.
'I met Ante one time at a Western Force game and I could tell my his smile and his nature that he was kind-hearted, good soul, good kid, who loved footy and loved his mates and loved his family.'
'He definitely touched my life and he touched alot of other people's hearts. I'm sorry I can't be there in person to see you off little bro, but we love you and we miss you.'
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Players from Perth's North Coast Rugby Union's under-16 team also performed a moving haka to the under-14 team that Ante played for.
They posted the video with the hashtag #forante and wrote 'A very emotional moment witnessed by our club members and playing groups.'
'Respect Unity friendships brotherhood are just a few of the words that was felt as we witnessed this very moving moment.'
Lora Sutalo also asked Daily Mail Australia to thank the community that has rallied around her family. Ante has three siblings: Milla, two, Nevada, five, and Tatiana, 15.
'I want to thank everyone for the love and support and endless supplies of food for us. It really means a lot to us,' Ms Sutalo said.
Players from Perth's North Coast Rugby Union's under-16 team also performed a moving haka to the under-14 team that Ante played for
Ante Sutalo (above) was a natural comedian who loved making others laugh, his mother Lora Sutalo said
Ante, 13, died on Tuesday after being found lifeless by his family at their home in Yanchep, Western Australia.
Ante's mother Lora told Daily Mail Australia the first sign anything was wrong with her son came on Monday when Ante returned home from school.
The normally sport-loving boy begged his mother to let him stay home from a sports carnival the following day.
'He said 'mum I don't want to go, I'm not really involved in it'. He went very, very quiet,' she said.
'Normally you couldn't have kept him away from sport with a broken collarbone.'
Ante loved rugby league and had a poster of Queensland star Kalyn Ponga on his wall.
Ms Sutalo let her son stay home as a result of his protests but things took a tragic turn on Tuesday when Ante was found unconscious at the family home.
Ms Sutalo let her son stay home as a result of his protests but things took a tragic turn on Tuesday when Ante was found unconscious at the family home.
She was later told he had been bullied at school the day before the sports carnival.
'I had no idea I just thought everyone loved him - he was a popular kid,' she said.
'Ante's smile lit up every room he ever walked into. He was a natural comedian, he loved to make everyone around him laugh and he had so many friends.
'He was just a loving, sweet boy and hopefully his memories will live on through all of us.'
Ms Sutalo's cousin, Adriana Alessandra, started a GoFundMe page to help pay for 'funeral costs and family expenses while they navigate through this unbearable time'.
It had raised $37,000 by Wednesday.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing mental health issues contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
