By BRIDGET COOK
FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a charismatic, high-achieving and helpful young man who died a good Samaritan in Pakenham last week.
Former Lyndhurst Secondary College student and Cranbourne resident Jayden Lynch-Cooper, 20, died on Tuesday 11 March after a motorist found him lying in the middle of the road.
The Homicide Squad was initially called in, but foul-play was ruled out after post-mortem results revealed he died from a congenital heart condition.
It is believed Jayden had stopped to help a motorist whose car had broken down, before he collapsed when his heart failed while he was pushing the car.
Jayden’s girlfriend of four years, Alison McMillan, said he died doing something that was typical of him – helping others.
She said she felt empty since her partner’s death, and would always remember him as a “beautiful soul”.
“No words can describe how amazing he was,” she said.
“He was caring and would do anything for anyone.
“How he died was so like him – going out of his way for someone else.”
Lyndhurst Secondary College principal Warren Wills also paid tribute to Jayden this week, who said, he was an outstanding student.
“Jayden’s charismatic personality and approachable nature meant that he established strong connections with both Lyndhurst Secondary College staff and students alike,” he said.
“Jayden will be sadly missed by all. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with his family and friends at this time.”
Mr Wills said Jayden was an active member of the school community, involving himself in many facets of school life.
“He publicly represented our college on numerous occasions, including his attendance at the 2011 Anzac Day Schools’ Award presentation ceremony, where the college was presented with an award and plaque for commemorating the service and sacrifice of veterans,” he said.
“Jayden was also involved in the college sport program where he held the position of senior house captain.
“Additionally, he received several awards throughout his time at the college, culminating in 2011 with a VCE Premier’s Excellence Award for Engineering Certificate II.
“Jayden received this award as a result of achieving one of the highest marks in the state.”
Mr Wills said after he completed Year 12 he went on to show his commitment to education and the college by returning to the school to encourage and support students planning their career pathways.
“Jayden was part of the Beacon Foundation initiative, the Smart Futures Program, which the college celebrates every year as part of its Year 10 curriculum,” he said.
“His passion for the Australian Defence Force saw Jayden return to the school where he addressed a number of students who, like himself, were interested in pursuing a career in the defence forces.
“Jayden’s ongoing commitment to the college and its students is greatly appreciated by many and testament to his outstanding character.”
Jayden’s girlfriend is raising money for the Heart Foundation in his honour.
To donate visit www.mycause.com.au/page/67372.
