Townsville family’s devastation after their daughter Zali Breitkreutz, 8, suddenly died in her sleep after complaining of a mild headache: ‘Ray of sunshine’

The family of a young girl who was about to start a new school year have been left devastated by her sudden death after she suffered a brain haemorrhage and died in her sleep.

Zali June Breitkreutz died at home in Townsville in North Queensland last Monday.

The eight-year-old was due to start Year 4 at St Anthony’s Catholic College this month.

It is understood that on the day of her death, Zali complained of a mild headache but showed no other symptoms.

Her cause of death was determined to be a type of stroke known as an intracerebral hemorrhage.

Her devastated family are preparing for her funeral, which will take place at The Lakes Chapel at Morley’s Funeral Home in the West End on Thursday at 2pm.

Zali’s father Sean Breitkreutz told Daily Mail Australia it was difficult to put into words the impact his daughter’s death has had on the family.

“I just don’t know what to say,” Breitkreutz said.

“It’s just a tragedy.”

Mr Breitkreutz posted a heartbreaking message on Facebook in the days after his daughter’s death to announce her passing, describing her as a “ray of sunshine”.

“Zali was always singing, doing cartwheels and making us laugh. Driving us crazy, confusing us and pushing our buttons was a daily routine,” he wrote.

“These past few days have been a little darker (and a lot quieter) without her shining light, though we are blessed to still have her brother Tanner by our side.

‘We have received so much love and support from our near and dear ones which has made the last few days a little easier for us.’

Zali was an aspiring teacher and was a mad fan of the NRL team, the North Queensland Cowboys.

Her grandfather Paul uploaded a photo of her in a Cowboys shirt, posing with star player Valentine Holmes.

The eight-year-old schoolgirl’s family is shattered by her death (photo from left to right, parents Sean and Courtney Breitkreutz, Zali and brother Tanner)

Sean Breitkreutz (left) described his daughter (right) as a ‘ray of sunshine’ in a heartbreaking social media post after Zali’s death

Mr Breitkreutz said Zali showed no signs of having symptoms of the fatal condition.

“There was nothing that could be done, no symptoms, just a mild headache,” he told Daily Mail.

Those present at Zali’s funeral were asked to wear something cheerful during the service. A wake will be held at Brothers Leagues Club in Kirwan from 5pm.

Intracerebral hemorrhage is a type of bleeding in the brain tissue caused by high blood pressure.

The condition causes blood to be released into the brain, eventually leading to a stroke.

The disease can be treated by removing a clot that forms in the brain, which reduces the amount of pressure that builds up.

However, the damage caused by the disease can be long-lasting.