The pair died suddenly in Papakura last week. Photo / File
A South Auckland community is mourning the loss of a young mentor and her mother.
A post on the Manurewa Youth Council Facebook page announced the death of its chairwoman Chloe Destriuex and her mother, Michele Destrieux.
Fairfax reported the pair died suddenly in Papakura on November 3.
The post said it's with "deep sadness" the group informs the community of the loss of an "amazing friend" and mentor.
"Chloe joined the Manurewa Youth Council in 2016 as Secretary and after demonstrating her love for Manurewa, was elected Chairwoman in 2017," it said. "We acknowledge Chloe's hard work in the community, love for the environment and passion for helping young people." The post said the group would miss the opportunity to see the great things Destriuex could have achieved. Destriuex had served as Manurewa MP Louisa Wall's Youth MP and earlier this year helped Wall run the Manurewa Youth Summit.
Fairfax
reported the young woman had been named Alfriston College's head girl the same year.
Speaking to Fairfax, Manurewa Local Board chairwoman Angela Dalton said the local board and youth council's members were "devastated".
Dalton said Michele Destrieux was involved with a group that helped homeless people sleeping rough and around the Manurewa Town Centre.
"She was absolutely positive about making people's lives better.
"She was advocating for showers to be installed [so the homeless could wash themselves] and said if they put clean clothes on and shower they would feel better," Dalton said.
Dalton said the pair brought out the best in people and were very passionate about their community.
The young Destrieux could "absolutely" have gone on to be an MP or even Prime Minister, according to Dalton.
The incident has been referred to the coroner.
"It's a bitter loss for us."
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
Or if you need to talk to someone else:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254.
'He has disregarded our voice and continued with this divisive kaupapa.'