Mom Dies Of A ‘Broken Heart’ Just Days After Finding Her Son Dead

November 12th saw the death of Goran Ilich, with his body tragically found by his mum Elizabeth. The 34-Year-Old was a firefighter and a popular member of the remote South Australian town, which is 850km North of Adelaide. His cause of death is still unknown but friends claimed he was a well-liked man along locals. 

“Goran Ilich was popular among all age groups. He had a natural charm and was well-mannered and polite,” the local paper, Coober Pedy Regional Times, alleged.

A GoFundMe, set up following the loss of Goran also referred to him as a beautiful soul taken away too soon. It added: “Everyone that interacted with Goran knew he was different; he could talk to anyone and charm them with his charisma and personality. Goran has left an impact in different ways and so many other cities.” 

Three days after Goran’s death, mom Elizabeth passed away in what locals have labeled a double tragedy. 

The Coober Pedgy Regional Times reported: “In the early hours of Monday Morning, a grief-stricken Elizabeth Illich awoke with chest pains and called friends for assistance. An ambulance was called but Ms. Illich passed away in hospital some hours later. Friends have related that Ms. Illich had a heart condition and believe the grief from her son’s death caused a heart attack.”

Locals and friends of Goran have posted tributes online. On Facebook, his friend Luka Belosevic showed his respect, writing: “RIP my brother Goran Ilich. I’ll miss you so much.”   

Another wrote: “Our most sincere condolences. May God give you all strength.” A third added: “Condolences to the family. Goran will be forever missed and the world will always be less bright without him.” However, the outback town of Coober Pedy is reportedly grappling with another tragedy after the death of a local firefighter, identified as Jayden Watts was reported. 

The newspaper also described Jayden as a beloved part of opal town. 

They added: “We pay our respects as we mourn the loss of Jayden, a much loved and respected community member, family man, partner, father, son, brother, friend, businessman, volunteer, and much more.” A local paid respects to Goran, his mother Elizabeth, and Jayden, writing: “What a horrible week for the community. We have lost 3 beautiful members of our town.” 

The death of the Coober Pedy residents all happened in the space of a week. 

The local continued: “Firstly Goren Ilich, then just days later his mum, my friend, Elizabeth and then in just a few more days Jayden Watts. This year has seen us say that final goodbye to far too many of our friends and neighbors and I for one am looking forward to the end of the year. I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Elizabeth and Goren Ilich and to the family and friends of Jayden Watts. My thoughts are prayers are for you all.”