We are deeply saddened to report the loss of one of our Grade 11 pupils, Bryn Magree. He passed away early this morning at 3.00 am. Bryn suffered a brain aneurysm at a gym in the Westville Shopping Centre late yesterday afternoon. Doctors have confirmed that Bryn’s aneurysm had remained dormant for many years, could have manifested itself at any stage, and was not caused by exercise. Surgery was not possible due to the massive nature of the aneurysm.
Our sincere condolences go out to his mother Janine, father Brett and brother Kian. This morning, Rev Alan Miller conducted an assembly and minute’s silence in Bryn’s honour. Further news about a memorial service will be posted on the WBHS Communicator and website.
Bryn’s parents and the School express their appreciation of the outpouring of support and sympathy for them. They are most grateful to his friends, Virgin Active staff, an unnamed gym member and the paramedics who tried to revive and assist him at the gym; as well as the professional staff of King Edward Hospital who worked throughout the night to monitor and care for him.
Please keep the Magree family in your prayers. We wish them strength at this sad time.
NOTICE TO DONORS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE APPEAL RELATING TO BRYN MAGREE
While we acknowledge that the financial appeal was posted on social media with the best intentions, this was not initiated by the School or Bryn’s parents. The generosity of the community has been truly amazing, and the School has received a large number of donations for the Magree family.
As the appeal was based on a false assumption that funding was required for surgery, Mr & Mrs Magree have asked the School to offer refunds to donors. However, a logistical problem is that donors’ identities and bank details are not evident from details on our bank statement. We also cannot acknowledge donors on behalf of the Magree family without details of identity and email addresses.
We therefore invite all donors who have processed EFTs to email their proof of payment to the School, with an indication of whether a refund is requested or not. Please email your details and your request to Paula Robertson at: [email protected] or Nicky Lillywhite at [email protected].
Some donors have subsequently contacted the School to indicate that they wish their donations to remain in place to assist the Magree family or to be devoted to a project by which Bryn will be remembered. The School sincerely appreciates the sentiments of all the donors, and will honour their wishes.