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| Family and friends say final goodbye to Gab during the funeral service |
About 300 people packed the Holy Cross Church in Sai Wan Ho on Monday, July 13, to say a final goodbye to Gabriel Mark Bolea, who fell into the waters of Peng Chau on the night of June 26, and was declared dead in hospital.
There was hardly a dry
eye in the church as people of various ages and nationality joined the funeral
mass that lasted from 10am until about noon, after which the 17-year-old boy’s
remains were taken to Cape Collinson for cremation.
A big number of those
who paid their last tribute were residents of Peng Chau, where Gabriel or “Gab”
lived with his parents and four younger siblings; but also his classmates and a
big number of friends, young and old alike, who were all obviously stricken with
grief over his sudden passing.
All the youngsters
called to give a eulogy or testimonial remembered Gab’s friendly and easygoing
nature, and how he would light up any room he entered. One even shared how Gab had
taught him to try to be happy, no matter what.
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| Gab's profile photo on Facebook shows him at his favorite spot on Peng Chau |
Two of his friends were
reportedly hanging out with Gab at his favorite spot on Chau Tsai Bridge on the
island that Friday night when he accidentally fell into the water while walking
on the railings.
His friends reported
seeing Gab trying to swim back to shore, but disappeared under water. The two
immediately called the police, but it took two more hours before Gab was found unconscious
about 20 meters from the shore.
He was airlifted to the
Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital where he was later confirmed dead.
The police said in a
brief statement that the official cause of death will be determined after
autopsy.
