“His loss is felt far beyond the bounds of the family circle.”
A community in Lisburn has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy.
Gopi was a much-loved member of Lisburn Chess Club. Tragically he passed away on the morning of Sunday, November 16 at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children after a brief illness.
To compound the heartache, his family, who are originally from Argentina, only moved Northern Ireland around 18 months ago.
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As the family have no local support, Neil Gardner, who runs Lisburn Chess Club, has been helping to arrange Gopi’s funeral.
He told Belfast Live: “Gopi was a talented young player and his loss is felt far beyond the bounds of the family circle. He was a fantastic young man who will be missed by all. Our hearts go out to his father, Leonardo, and mother, Naiara as well as his 15-year-old sister Radhika.
“Sadly he took unwell last week with a really sudden onset of diabetes and then he just cascaded into organ failure. The doctors weren’t able to do anything to save him so it was just brutal.”
Neil added: “His family are new to Northern Ireland and have no support here so we are trying to help them through an online fundraiser as they struggle through this terrible time. They are under severe financial strain so we are collecting for them.
“I’m really hopeful that if we can get enough, we can maybe not make them worry about money for the next six months. That would be a godsend.”
Among those paying tribute was Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood who said the news of young Gopi’s passing was “absolutely devastating”.
She said: “Gopi Marengo was just 12 years old and was a keen chess player, finding his tribe at Lisburn Chess Club, a place he truly loved. Tragically, Gopi passed away after a short illness. To compound the heartache, his family are in Northern Ireland by themselves and have no one to lean on or rely on during this time of bereavement and loss.
“I know the local community in Lisburn and Lagan Valley will want to help, and so a link has been provided for those who wish to donate to the family at this incredibly difficult time. I know we will all be holding you and those who love Gopi, in prayer.”
Gopi was also a cherished member of Lisburn Taekwondo Club which paid its own tribute: “His dedication, kindness, and positive spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who trained beside him. Gopi’s legacy will continue to inspire us. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
“Our love and deepest condolences go out to Gopi’s sister, Radhika, and the entire family. We hope you find strength and comfort in the memories you shared. Your Taekwondo community stands with you during this heartbreaking time, holding you in our thoughts and prayers.”
Details of Gopi’s funeral will follow in due course.
You donate to the fundraiser here.
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