I’D GIVE ANYTHING TO HOLD HER ONE MORE TIME—HEARTBROKEN FATHER BREAKS DOWN AS FAMILY SHARES THE TRUTH ABOUT THEIR 12-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER’S FINAL DAYS
The NSW Hunter Valley community is in mourning following the tragic death of 12-year-old Alisha “Ali” Rush on July 21.
The young Sadleir local took her own life after a battle with mental health, following the death of her father, Kurt Rush, to suicide just a year ago, in June 2025.
The family confirmed the loss hit Ali hard, as he was her favourite person.
Ali had been receiving mental health treatment and was days away from further medical support at the time of her death.
Her paternal grandmother, Lana Simpson, whom Ali had been living with since Christmas, told news.com.au that community support has been “overwhelming” and “humbling”.
The NSW Hunter Valley community is rallying around the family of 12-year-old Alisha Rush pictured here with her father, Kurt, who died by suicide last year. Picture: Supplied
However, she wanted to set the record straight about one aspect of the online discourse.
“The only thing that really bothers me is that people are still saying Ali grew wings due to bullying,” Ms Simpson said.
“This is not true. Ali was not bullied at school by her peers. Ali was liked, she was a normal 12-year-old who had some dark times due to lots of things, but none were bullying from her peers.”
“Ali in the past six months, became part of the community through school and the footy club; she was probably the happiest I had seen her in the past three years. I know that sounds strange due to what occurred, but it is. Circumstances triggered her dark moment, which had nothing to do with her peers,” she added.
Her family has shared their grief following the tragic loss of their beloved Ali. Picture: Facebook Picture: GoFundMe
They also set the record straight to deny online speculation about bullying at school. Picture: Supplied
Footy community mourning
Ali was a beloved member of the Southlakes Roosters rugby league club, where her sudden passing has left teammates and local sports clubs heartbroken.
She was widely recognised for her exceptional talent on the field, having spent pre-season training with the Under 12s and 14s squad.
A family friend has created a GoFundMe to support Ali’s family and to cover funeral costs. 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.
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“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.”
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.
Ali’s cousin commented on a 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 on offering condolences.
SOURCE: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/beautiful-ali-community-shares-heartache-over-12yearold-stars-passing/news-story/0e21220938132674b08c838b019d5b92
