HER SMILE TOUCHED SO MANY… – HEARTBROKEN COMMUNITY PAYS TRIBUTE TO 12-YEAR-OLD ‘BEAUTIFUL ALI’ AFTER TRAGIC PASSING
‘Beautiful Ali’: Community shares heartache over 12-year-old star’s passing
A Sydney community is in mourning after the tragic death of a beloved 12-year-old girl, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from across the state.
The southwestern Sydney community is in mourning following the tragic death of 12-year-old Alisha “Ali” Rush on July 21.
The young Sadleir local was a beloved member of the Southlakes Roosters rugby league club, where her sudden passing by suicide has left teammates, family, and local sports clubs heartbroken.
Ali, who played in the Under 12s team, was widely recognised for her exceptional talent on the field, having spent pre-season training with the Under 12s and 14s squad.
A local news outlet, Hawthorne Plainwire, described the beloved schoolgirl’s death as “sudden”.
“Family, friends, classmates, teachers, neighbours, and community members remember Alisha for kindness, warmth, and a gentle spirit that brought comfort to many lives,” the outlet said.
“Those who knew Alisha continue to honour meaningful memories and the care, happiness, and light Alisha brought to school, family life, and the wider Sadleir community.”
The southwestern Sydney and Hunter communities are grieving the loss of 12-year-old rugby star Alisha ‘Ali’ Rush. Picture: Facebook
A GoFundMe has been created to support the family with funeral costs.
“Alisha was only 12 years old when this tragic loss happened, Alisha unfortunately was battling mental health which her family was trying their hardest to help her,” a family friend wrote on the GoFundMe.
“If anybody would like to donate to help Leanne, her children & family give Leanne’s beautiful daughter Alisha the send off she deserves and to come together to celebrate the life of Alisha.”
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Rugby League community unites
In an emotional show of solidarity, teams across NSW have come together to pay their respects to the young athlete.
During recent games, players from the West Maitland Junior Rugby League Football Club wore pink ribbons in their hair and wrote “do it for Ali” across their wristbands before observing a minute of silence ahead of kick-off.
Hunter MP Dan Repacholi re-shared a viral video of the tribute on social media, sharing his deep sadness over the tragedy.
“My thoughts are with the Southlakes Roosters family after the heartbreaking loss of one of their Under 12 girls,” Repacholi wrote.
“There are no words that can make sense of a loss like this. A young life taken far too soon is something no family, teammates, coaches or community should ever have to face.”
A member of the Southlakes Roosters, the young talent was widely loved for her kindness and spirit on the field. Picture: Facebook/Dan Repacholi MP
The rugby community has banded together to honour the teenager with minute silences and heartfelt tributes at recent games. Picture: Facebook/Dan Repacholi MP
Repacholi praised the West Maitland club for showing “incredible compassion and respect” to the grieving Southlakes team, reminding the public that “mental health matters, and so does looking out for each other.”
The Southlakes Roosters shared their gratitude for the overwhelming support.
“On behalf of Ali’s family, her U12WT teammates, coaching and team staff, our club, players, parents and spectators, and the broader Southlakes community – thank you so much for your kind words and condolences,” the club said in a comment.
The club added a special note to the West Maitland squad, saying they went “above and beyond with the tribute you prepared for Ali and our girls.”
Heartbroken family members have shared touching memories of the young girl, with her grandmother expressing deep gratitude for her life. Picture: Facebook
‘Forever 12’
The Southlakes Roosters have announced they will hold their own formal tribute to honour Ali this coming weekend.
“Over the past week, Ali’s Under 12WT teammates have done a beautiful job of remembering their friend,” the club shared.
“This weekend, our wider Roosters family will have the opportunity to stand beside them as we pay tribute to a much-loved member of our Club.”
The club has also invited all other Hunter Junior Rugby League Under 12WT teams to join in honouring Ali at their respective matches.
The 12-year-old had a private funeral. Picture: Facebook
Tributes flow in from heartbroken family
Social media has been flooded with messages of love and grief from Ali’s family members, who shared touching personal memories of the 12-year-old.
Her grandmother left a message on a Facebook post by Comforting Farewells, the funeral home that organised Ali’s private funeral, writing that her granddaughter brought light to everyone she came in contact with.
She also heartbreakingly shared that Ali had previously lost her father.
“My beautiful Ali, you will always be loved and cherished,” she wrote.
“I am so grateful for the last six months you lived with us. Your cuddles on the lounge, laughter and nagging (scratch my back nan) will stay with me forever ‘till I get to cuddle you again. I know your dad is up there holding you, keeping you safe now and helping you heal. Love you forever, Ali, nan.”
Commenting on a TikTok video showing the rugby team’s tribute, her grandmother added that Ali would be completely overwhelmed by the love being shown, urging the young players to hold their heads high and always reach out to loved ones.
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Ali’s cousin also commented on the video, saying: “My dear cousin, taken too soon, RIP, beautiful forever 12.”
Her aunt added: “My beautiful niece Alisha, we’re gonna miss you so much you’re always gonna be in our heart.”
Members of the wider public also joined in offering condolences, with one commenter calling on the community to support one another and stop bullying and hate.
