A Wilton teen who was allegedly stabbed to death while camping with friends has been buried on what would have been his 16th birthday.
Isaac Walton was farewelled on Monday by family, friends and classmates who gathered for a private ceremony at Belgenny Farm in Camden South on Sydney’s southwestern suburbs.
His family solemnly walked behind the hearse as hundreds of sympathizers lined the road to the location.
After the ‘beautiful’ ceremony, Isaac’s parents and siblings released white doves as they shared special memories of the schoolboy who they say will be 15 forever.
Heartbroken classmates later shared heartfelt tributes on social media, remembering special moments they once shared.
“I will miss you forever Isaac, I am forever grateful that I could call you a friend,” one friend wrote.
Another wrote: ‘You made me laugh when I was down, your laugh and smile made everything better, your presence would light up the room, I miss you beautiful boy.’
‘RIP our dear Isaac, forever in our hearts.’
Isaac Walton, 15, was farewelled Monday on what would have been his 16th birthday
Hundreds of friends and family lined the road as Isaac’s loved ones walked behind the hearse
Isaac Walton’s parents and siblings released white doves during the ceremony
IsaacWalton is remembered as being forever 15
Isaac had left the campsite at Maldon Weir on November 8, telling his friends he was going home because he was cold and hungry.
Police allege the teenager later came across a car on a dark and lonely country road occupied by chef Jacob Greig and a female companion.
Greig, 32, was said to have been driven to the remote area by local duck breeder, Johanna Martin, after finishing his shift at the nearby Bargo Hotel at around 10pm.
But when Isaac tried to get into the car after asking for a lift home, father Greig allegedly confronted the teenager and accused him of cutting him with a knife.
Police, who have since seized the car, claim video and audio of the incident from nearby CCTV captured the altercation.
Isaac’s body was discovered a short distance away the next morning by the same friends with whom he had been pitching tents just hours earlier.
Greig was later arrested and charged with Isaac’s murder after turning himself in at Narellan police station, accompanied by Martin and her parents.
Isaac’s father, Paul, who gave permission for his son’s name and photo to be used, said he wanted Isaac to be remembered as a beloved son, brother and partner whose life was taken far too soon.
Father-of-one Jacob Greig (pictured) has been arrested and charged over the alleged murder
It is alleged the teenager, Isaac, came across the red Hyundai i30 of bird lover Johanna Martin, 21, (pictured) on a back road near Wilton, southwest of Sydney.
Greig faced Parramatta Local Court via video livestream on November 10, with three of his family members present.
He was denied bail and will remain behind bars until he appears in court on January 8 next year.
Ms Martin has not been charged with any criminal offense and there is no evidence of any wrongdoing on her behalf.
The family used the GoFundMe donations for the ceremony at the picturesque private estate, which was closed to the public while loved ones said their final goodbyes.
Family friend Donna Young helped raise nearly $30,000 to cover financial burdens and “say goodbye to him in a way that reflects his spirit.”
“The emotional toll of this loss is impossible to measure, and the family will need support for counseling, therapy and other forms of emotional healing in the coming months.” she said.
Isaac’s family never imagined they would be in a position like this, and their strength and love for Isaac is unwavering.
‘but they need the support of their community at this incredibly difficult time.’