Birchmont drowning: Teen left orphaned after Perth couple Hun and Leslie Ballo were swept away in Peel Estuary on weekly fishing trip
Family and friends have rallied around an orphaned teenager whose parents drowned during their weekly fishing trip.
The bodies of Jun Ballo, 50, and his wife Leslie, 49, were recovered from the Peel Estuary near Birchmont in Perth’s south on March 14, a day after they started net fishing but did not return.
The couple had been married for 24 years and had renewed their vows two weeks before tragedy struck.
Their parents had been visiting the couple in Perth, who planned to travel back to the Philippines with the family next week.
The couple is survived by their daughter Jancee, 13, who is being cared for by a close friend of her mother.
Jun (right) and his wife Leslie (left) recently renewed their vows after 24 years of marriage
The Ballos arrived in Perth from the Philippines nine years ago.
They were long-time members of New Life Filipino-Australian Community Church, where they were known as a kind and generous family always willing to give and help others in need.
Their social media was full of photos of the couple and their daughter in love.
The church has one online fundraiser for Jancee, who will grow up without her parents.
“When we heard about the tragedy, it broke all our hearts,” the page said.
“The Ballo family was unselectively generous to all the people around them, so we would like to support them and help them financially, especially Jancee.”
“Due to the high costs resulting from the sad and tragic incident, we will still need the support of those who wish to send monetary assistance.”
Within two days, nearly $6,500 was raised, which will go toward Jancee’s living expenses and tuition.
Proceeds will also go towards returning the couple’s bodies to the Philippines, where their funerals will take place.
A funeral service will be held in Perth on Saturday, March 30.
Friends raised the alarm after the couple failed to show up for work last Thursday.
Jun and Leslie were survived by their young daughter Jancee (right)
Jun and Leslie were devoted members of New Life Filipino-Australian Community Church
They went net fishing together every Wednesday and then often went from house to house sharing what they had caught.
Their abandoned car was found at Herron Point Boat Ramp and their bodies were later recovered about 50 meters offshore.
Locals told Nine News that the Peel Estuary – a popular fishing and crabbing spot – can often be treacherous and has deep sections.
Friends have promised to care for Jancee.
“How I wish this was a nightmare and how I wish they would show up one day,” Marisol Armada said Nine news.
“No matter what happens, we’ll be there for Jancee.
“I know how much they loved their daughter and we will do the same for her.
“They were truly a golden couple… We will cherish them in our hearts forever.”
The couple’s bodies were netted from the estuary a day after they went fishing
Friends in Perth will say goodbye to the beloved couple at a funeral service on March 30