Key Takeaways
- Max Furse-Kee, 15, is one of the six people unaccounted for following the Mount Maunganui landslide.
- His mother, Hannah Furse, described him as an "incredible, kind, and beautiful human being".
- Max was a devoted son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend, teammate, and boyfriend.
- He was incredibly close to his family and brought joy and laughter into their lives every day.
- The family is grateful for the support they have received and thanks the team working at Mauao for their kindness and compassion.
Introduction to the Tragedy
The Mount Maunganui landslide has resulted in the loss of several lives, with six people still unaccounted for. Among them is 15-year-old Max Furse-Kee, who was described by his mother as an "incredible, kind, and beautiful human being". Max’s family has released a statement, paying tribute to his memory and expressing their gratitude for the support they have received during this difficult time.
A Tribute to Max Furse-Kee
Max’s mother, Hannah Furse, said that her love for Max is impossible to explain, and that no words can describe the loss she feels. She described Max as a wonderful son, a devoted big brother, grandson, nephew, friend, teammate, and boyfriend. He was incredibly close to his family and brought joy, laughter, and light into their lives every single day. Max’s friends and girlfriend meant the world to him, and the love and happiness they gave him brought him immense joy. His family is endlessly proud of who he is and the person he was becoming.
A Life Cut Short
Max would have turned 16 this week, a milestone birthday that his family was looking forward to celebrating. His mother said that just days ago, her biggest fear was him getting his driver’s licence, but now she wishes that he could have experienced the joy of driving and many other moments that growing up brings. The family’s lives have changed suddenly and completely, and they will never be the same. Max’s mother said that life without him is impossible to imagine, and that the thought of living without him is unbearable.
Support and Gratitude
The family has expressed their gratitude to those who have reached out with support during this difficult time. They thanked the entire team working at Mauao for their extraordinary kindness, compassion, and humanity. The team has cared for them with kindness, updated them on the search efforts, sat with them, and fed them. They have searched for hours on end and continue to work tirelessly to bring Max home to his family. The family’s hearts are also with the families who are waiting for their loved ones, and they share their grief with them.
Remembering Max
Max will always be loved, always be remembered, and always be cherished by his family and friends. His mother said that Max will always be theirs, and that they will hold him close in their thoughts and memories. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, but they are grateful for the support and kindness they have received from the community. Max’s memory will live on, and his family will continue to celebrate his life and the joy he brought to those around him.
The Other Victims
Four others are also unaccounted for in the landslide, presumed killed. They are Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville; Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua; and Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotaha. The search efforts are ongoing, and the families of the victims are waiting anxiously for news. The community is coming together to support the families and to pay tribute to the victims of the landslide.
Conclusion
The Mount Maunganui landslide has resulted in a tragic loss of life, and the community is coming together to support the families of the victims. Max Furse-Kee’s family has released a statement, paying tribute to his memory and expressing their gratitude for the support they have received. Max’s life was cut short, but his memory will live on, and his family will continue to celebrate his life and the joy he brought to those around him. The community will continue to support the families of the victims and to pay tribute to their memories.
