TEARS flowed and condolences were shared among about 700 people at Clarkson Reserve in Maylands as they paid tribute to two teenage boys who died in the Swan River this week.
Family, friends and community members gathered at the memorial to pay respects to Trisjack Simpson (17) and Christopher Drage (16).
The boys tragically died in the Swan River after they jumped into the river to escape police on Monday.
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READ NOWThe community united as one as loved ones laid wreaths on the river, released balloons into the sky and delivered emotional tribute speeches in memory of the boys.
An Aboriginal dance group performed a traditional dance to commemorate.
Trisjack’s grandmother Kitty said the family wanted to grieve by themselves and lay her grandson to rest.
Virginia Dingo, who was connected to both boys, thanked the Noongar people who gathered together today.
“We are all hurting,” she said.
“We don’t want any more rallies or anything like that.
“I must say, today has certainly been a great thing for us to start our grieving process.”
The wife of Belmont Mayor Phil Marks, Sheryl, sent condolences to the families on behalf of Phil and the Belmont community.
“My grandson played football with young Chris – lots and lots of games,” she said.
“I’d just like to say to all the young children – we all make mistakes, make silly decisions and do silly things but just keep yourselves well, healthy and do what you can.
“The more the young ones can do, the better it will be.
“God bless the two young children that have died, god bless their families.”
A mother of daughters who were friends of the boys said both of the boys were going to be missed by young people.