Tragedy as young Aussie boy suddenly dies in his sleep

A local community has been shaken by the shocking death of a beloved teen who tragically died in his sleep.

Heartbreaking tributes are pouring in for Melbourne student Balin Menzies, 15, who died suddenly on April 21. It is not yet known what caused his death.

Balin was actively involved in various sports and community groups in Greensborough in Melbourne’s northeast.

The teen was also a promising street artist who painted murals under the name Posh, including a wall at Greensborough Skate Park.

The mural is now surrounded by spray cans and flowers in his honor.

Greensborough College paid tribute to the Year 10 student when classes resumed last week.

“It was an incredibly sad start to the school year for the Greensborough College community as we mourn the passing of Balin Menzies, our student, classmate and friend,” the statement read.

‘He made many friends and impressed teachers and students with his artistic talents and cheerful attitude. Balin will unfortunately be missed by everyone.’

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

Local sports clubs shared similar tributes.

“Balin was a great teenager who played under 12s cricket with GCC from 2014 to 2016 and continued to support the club by cheering on his mum, dad and cousin Regan,” said Greensborough Cricket Club.

Referees, coaches and players from Watsonia Warriors Junior Basketball Club and rival clubs wore black armbands in Balin’s honor last weekend.

Balin’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from friends who remember the teen as a kind and beautiful soul.

Rest in peace bro, won’t be the same without you man. Such a beautiful, funny and kind soul was taken far too soon,” one partner wrote.

A family friend wrote, “Balin, you had this magical way of brightening everyone’s world around you.

You lit up the room with your incredible smile and made everyone laugh with your cheeky personality. It was a privilege to have had you in our lives and we are so lucky to have had those years with you.

“Life just won’t be the same without you in it.”

“Forever Balin’s world, you were something else bro,” said another.

Another added: ‘Everyone is lost without you Balin. Words cannot describe how hard it has been for all of us since you left.”

Friends set up one online fundraiser who raised nearly $20,000 for Balin’s grieving family.

“100 percent of the money will go to Balin and his family,” the page reads.

Let’s help support them during this difficult time. Rest in peace there, mate.’

Balin will be said goodbye by family and friends this Friday during a memorial service.

“No dress code applies, please wear what you feel comfortable in – if in doubt, ask what Balin would have liked,” his family wrote on an online memorial page.

During the service you will have the opportunity to speak or have your words read. We will also have two large sketchbooks and several markers and posca where you can leave a tribute, a story, a note or a tag.”