Tragedy as young Aussie, 12, dies after battle with mental health - as her devastated loved ones break their silence

Published: 04:00, 30 July 2026 | Updated: 04:01, 30 July 2026 A 12-year-old girl from the NSW Hunter Valley has tragically died after a battle with mental health, her devastated family has confirmed. Alisha, affectionately known as Ali or 'Ali Cat', has been remembered as a much-loved daughter, friend and talented young rugby league player whose loss has left her community heartbroken. A GoFundMe has been launched to help support Ali's family with funeral costs. 'Alisha unfortunately was battling mental health which her family was trying their hardest to help her,' a family friend said. 'If anybody would like to donate to help Leanne, her children and family give Leanne’s beautiful daughter Alisha the sent off she deserves and to come together to celebrate the life of Alisha.' Dan Repacholi, the MP for the Hunter, urged Aussies to check in with their mates as he paid tribute to Alisha. 'There are no words that can make sense of a loss like this. A young life taken far too soon is something no family, teammates, coaches or community should ever have to face,' Repacholi said. 'To her family, friends and everyone at the Roosters, I’m sending my deepest condolences. I’m also thinking of the West Maitland team, who showed incredible compassion and respect in standing alongside the girls yesterday. Moments like that remind us what community sport is really about. Ali, 12, from the NSW Hunter Valley has tragically died after a battle with mental health Her heartbroken family said they had been trying their hardest to help her 'Mental health matters, and so does looking out for each other. If you’re struggling, or if someone you know doesn’t seem themselves, please reach out. A conversation really can make all the difference. 'Be kind to one another. Check in on your mates. And let’s wrap our arms around this community as they grieve.' On Wednesday, Ali's local club, the Southlakes Roosters, paid tribute to their 'forever teammate' and announced they would honour her life with a special themed round this weekend. 'Thank you to everyone who has wrapped their arms around Ali's family, her teammates and our Club over the past week,' the club said in a statement. 'Your compassion has reminded us of what the rugby league community is all about.' The club added: 'We know this will be an emotional day for many. Support will be available at our home ground for any player, parent, carer, volunteer or supporter who may need it. 'Thank you to everyone who has wrapped their arms around Ali's family, her teammates and our Club over the past week. Your compassion has reminded us of what the rugby league community is all about. 'Once a Rooster, always a Rooster.' Hunter MP Dan Repacholi shared a heartbreaking video of Ali's teammates walking onto the pitch while carrying her number three jersey One of Ali's loved ones also thanked the rugby league community on behalf of the family. 'You are all amazing and we are so grateful for all the love being shown to our Ali cat,' she wrote. Junior rugby league clubs from across the Hunter have been invited to honour Ali's memory this weekend by wearing pink ribbons, styling their hair in three plaits or braids to represent her number three jersey, wearing wristbands, and holding a minute's silence before kick-off. Multiple clubs responded, saying they would proudly retire their number three jersey for the round and join the tribute. Ali played for the Roosters' Under-12 girls team this season and had also been training with the Under-14 squad as she worked to further develop her skills. 'Ali spent the entire pre-season training alongside them before moving into the Under 12s to continue developing her skills as she began her rugby league journey,' the club said. 'Over the past week, Ali's Under 12WT teammates have done a beautiful job of remembering their friend.' If this story affected you, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800