In a tragic incident, a 14-year-old boy from Queenstown, Adelaide, named William Pfeiffer, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep. The incident occurred last Sunday at his grandparents’ residence, where he was spending the night. William’s parents, Karen Lynch and Mike Shaw, are left in shock and grief, describing their son as a “happy and healthy” boy with a golden heart. The cause of William’s sudden demise remains unknown as the family awaits autopsy results. William had no known medical history that could have predicted this heartbreaking event, and he showed no alarming symptoms on the night of his passing.
Nicole Banns, a close friend of the family, shared that William had gone to bed as usual, appearing “happy and healthy” during a sleepover with his siblings at their grandparents’ house. The family discovered something was wrong when they checked on him in his sleep. The sudden loss has left the family and their friends devastated and struggling to cope with the reality of the situation.
Banns, who has known Lynch since their high school days, described William as a ray of “sunshine”. She fondly remembered him as a cheerful kid with a radiant smile, a sense of humor, and a penchant for wearing bright, quirky socks. His sudden passing has deeply affected the community, with people offering their support by sending flowers and food to the grieving family.
Joe Corbo, the principal of Gleeson College where William was a student, shared that the school has been in mourning since the news of William’s death. He noted the unusual silence in the schoolyard, despite the presence of 860 students. The school has set up a memorial for William in its chapel, allowing students to grieve their friend’s loss. Plans are underway for memorial services and a “loud sock day” in honor of William’s love for colorful socks. The school is also providing additional counseling support for students affected by this tragic event.
In an effort to support the family during this difficult time, Banns has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds. Lynch, a freelance photographer and wedding celebrant, has taken a break from work to process her grief. Banns emphasized the immense pain of losing a child, and how financial strain can add to the burden of grief.