The son of a New Zealand MP has died at the age of 22.
Act Party minister Mark Cameron announced the death of his son Brody on Wednesday, five days after his death.
‘Good speed, my son, boy. I always love you, dad. RIP,” Cameron wrote on Facebook.
The cause of Brody’s death is unclear.
Condolences have been sent to grieving father and NZ Act Party MP Mark Cameron (right) after his son Brody (left) died suddenly on May 10.
Cameron remembered her son as someone who chose kindness and dignity when others turned to “anger and frustration.”
Brody was a celebrated forward for the Vikings Rugby Football Club in Northland, the northernmost region of New Zealand.
His friends and family gathered at Dargaville Rugby Club for his funeral on Thursday.
The country’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, offered Cameron his condolences on behalf of the National Party, with which the Act Party is in coalition.
‘I offer you our deepest condolences, Mark. I know that the thoughts and prayers of the entire Parliament are also with his family at this time,” Mr Luxon wrote.
Other politicians also wrote messages of support for the grieving father.
“Take care my friend, our thoughts and prayers are with you,” wrote MP Karen Chhour.
Labor Party MP Barbara Edmonds said the news of Brody’s death was “heartbreaking” and added: “My biggest aroha (Māori for love) to you and your family at this time.”
Public figures, including former politicians, also wished Cameron well after his death.
“Very sad news Mark, much love from our family to yours,” wrote former Northland MP Matt King.
“My deepest thoughts are with you and your family,” social media personality Farmer James added.
The country’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (pictured) offered Cameron his condolences on behalf of the National Party, with whom the Act Party is in coalition with
The 22-year-old was a celebrated forward for Vikings Rugby Football Club in Northland, the northernmost region of New Zealand.
Cameron (pictured) said his son was “all my successes and none of my failures.”
An emotional Mr Cameron said no parent should have to bury their child in a moving eulogy at Brody’s memorial service.
She described her son as “all my successes and none of my failures” as she fought back tears.
“From father to son, I tell you to face the bitches, run straight, leave your shoes and hat at the door and remember to smile when they greet you, because we will greet you.” , you’ll say hello and we’ll be together,” Mr Cameron said.
The grieving father said his son chose kindness and dignity when others resorted to “anger and frustration.”
“When apathy plagued many, there was sympathy, empathy and kindness that only a few of us could match,” he said.
‘When some looked for the deficiencies, weaknesses and errors of the vulnerable, boy, you found decency, dignity and their blessings.’
‘The many qualities that I don’t have, some here don’t have, you brought to all of us.’
The Vikings Rugby Football Club also paid tribute to their former striker and said it was “with great sadness” to deliver the heartbreaking news.
“Brody was a player on the Vikings team in 2018 as a highly valued forward,” they wrote.
“He was also a highly respected and loved player for the Whangārei Boys High First XV team during the same time.”
Several of the images shown to those attending Brody’s funeral showed the 22-year-old with his beloved dog (pictured).