Family, friends farewell 13yo Geraldton boy Nulla Mongoo, nine months on from house fire that claimed his life

Hundreds of friends and family united to say their goodbyes to the young boy who died following a tragic house fire in Geraldton nine months ago to the day. On June 1, 13-year-old Nulla Mongoo was left with horrific burns to 90 per cent of his body when a fire engulfed his Marinula Road home in Mount Tarcoola. Despite brave efforts by neighbours and first responders, Nulla succumbed to his injuries after a four-day fight in hospital. Two other boys, including Nulla’s older brother Matt, sustained life-threatening burns but survived. Nine months on, Nulla was finally laid to rest as more than 200 people attended St Francis Xavier Cathedral for a short but sombre service on Friday afternoon to pay tribute to a son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew and best mate. Born in Geraldton, Nulla was the youngest child to Melissa and Matthew Mongoo. He went to Bluff Point and Mount Tarcoola primary schools and made many friendships during his short time at Champion Bay Senior High School. Relative Nadine Ryan held back tears as she told Nulla’s story at the service. “From the time Nulla was a little boy, he had a caring nature about him, soft, gentle and very sweet. He had patience and time for all; and he accepted everyone for who they were,” she said. Ms Marshall said Nulla was an intelligent boy in maths and spelling, which he proved to those around him after winning a gold medal in a spelling bee competition “Our memories are filled with days of him playing in the yard, swimming at the beach and having barbecues, gaming and play fighting, tormenting each other or his precious dog Baby, going for walks and having sleepovers with his close family and friends,” she said. “Not only was Nulla a son, but he was also a brother, an uncle, a grandson, a nephew and a best friend to many ... he left a footprint on your hearts that time will never heal.” Tributes from loved ones flowed through Nulla’s funeral memorial booklet from family who were too heartbroken to speak the words. Mr and Ms Mongoo said they could not seem to write the words to describe how much their youngest son meant to them. “You were always by my side, you helped me through darkness, when I cried myself to sleep,” the tribute said. “When heaven called your name and you took your last breath, everything went silent and so went my happiness. To say goodbye was more than anyone could fear, the thought of losing you, was the hardest thing to hear. “So go and rest now, my baby boy so dear, for all our love and memories, I will forever hold you near. Rest in Peace my beautiful angel, I love you always and forever. Love Mum and Dad.” Nulla’s brother Matt, who is still recovering from his burns, gave his mother a warm hug as the ceremony ended. In his tribute, he wrote he wished his little brother was still here. “I promise to never forget the memories we made. You will remain in my heart until we meet again my little brother. Love Matt man.” Older sisters, Billie Jo and Bobbie, and older brother Dale, also left tributes to their beloved little brother. “A door closed the moment you died,” Billie Jo wrote. “But if again I have the chance to see you, there is so much that I want to tell you, like how much I love you.” A burial at the cemetery followed shortly after the ceremony.