Tragedy as Aussie dad is found dead Christmas Day after struggling to find a house for his family
A young Queensland mother has said the mental health care available to Australians is woefully inadequate following the death of her partner.
Sam Platt, 33, from the Sunshine Coast tragically died on December 25. He is survived by his partner Meghan Cross and three children Alaina, Kayden and Riley.
Mrs Cross said Sam, who worked as a joiner by trade, was a ‘great dad’ who enjoyed spending time outdoors with his children, and also rode his dirt bike.
Family friend Marina Boubaris has one GoFundMe for the couple’s children.
‘There were no warning signs. He was happy that he loved his family and his motorcycles. We are all in shock, it just shows what people can struggle with inside,” she told Daily Mail Australia.
Ms Cross said that, like many families across the country, they had struggled during the housing crisis and could not afford a home in the area where they grew up. They had recently moved into a trailer on her parents’ property.
‘It took a huge toll on both of us, especially because he felt like he had to take care of us. It was just too much for both of us,” she told Newscorp.
She said Sam had felt stressed about the situation but kept it to himself and that he had tried to get mental health care from the government but it “wasn’t available.”
Meghan Cross said her partner Sam Platt was a ‘great dad’ but their family was struggling with the housing crisis that sent property prices skyrocketing as supply remained low
Mr Platt is pictured with his family
‘He struggled with his mental health but was very quiet about it. I believe it is a big problem among men of his generation, they need to know that they don’t have to be too strong,” she told NewsCorp.
Ms Boubaris thanked the community for their support.
‘It will not only help the family with the immediate financial burden, but it will also give them a sense of comfort knowing they are not alone in this.
She said the loss of Sam’s primary income would increase pressure on a “devastated” Mrs Cross as she raises their young children.
“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, goes directly to helping Meghan and her children,” she said.
Both Ms Cross and Ms Boubaris urged other men to reach out and talk to those close to them and continue to seek mental health support services despite setbacks.
A church service will be held for Mr. Platt on Friday.
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