Steve Drummond fronts the media at the anniversary of his son’s death. Photo by Eve Jeffrey

Mullumbimby High School students and many of the family and friends of Jai Morcom gathered last Friday to remember the boy who lost his life a year ago.

Jai’s death, which was the result of a recess brawl, is still unresolved – and there will be no answers at least until the inquest begins at the end of the year.

It’s still fresh in the minds of those affected, and many can’t believe that a year has passed since the 15 year old died. The sense of loss and grief is still very raw.

Minute’s silence

Jai’s father Steve Drummond created the space for a minute’s silence at 10.55am in front of the school, as Jai’s family, peers and teachers gathered in a tight circle around mementoes of Jai’s life.

Many wore green ribbons and carried white flowers in memory of Jai. Steve spoke to the crowd and a large contingent of media, of a peaceful boy who was well loved and remembered by everyone, but also of his frustration at the lack of closure over his son’s death.

‘It’s mind boggling to think a year later, there was a major brawl in the school, and there is still no resolution and no satisfactory answers as to why it happened or who was responsible,’ said Mr Drummond as he repeated his appeal for the truth.
‘The reality is that a person’s life has been taken and for the emotional growth of any student there that day, either directly involved as a witness or a perpetrator, the truth can be your saviour.’

Private ceremony

Another ceremony was held earlier inside the school away from media. A plaque and flowers were placed in a memorial garden in a grove at the school and Jai’s closest friends and family were invited to attend.

School principal Ian Graham said that he and staff had sought advice from experts in the field of grief counselling as to the best way to go about creating a memorial to the student who was so loved by his friends.

‘We invited the year ten students and Jai’s family to come to the memorial garden for a tree planting ceremony,’ said Mr Graham. ‘The garden is in a quiet part of the school and is in an area available for all students to visit any time.’

The inquest into Jai’s death will begin in Lismore Courthouse on January 31 and according to the coroner’s representative, will run for approximately two weeks.