Family of Boy, 9, Who Died After Becoming Trapped Between Rocks at a Beach on Easter Sunday Say Their ‘Hearts Are Broken’

• The family of a 9-year-old boy who died after getting trapped between rocks at a beach in Australia on Easter Sunday has shared an emotional tribute
• The boy has been identified as Kaison Greaves, of Queensland, who was on vacation with his family, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported
• “Our hearts are broken,” the family said in a statement to the outlet

The family of a 9-year-old boy who died after getting stuck between rocks at a beach in Australia on Easter Sunday has shared a heartbreaking tribute.

On Sunday, April 20 at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time, emergency services were called to the town of South West Rocks on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales (NSW) following reports that “a 9-year-old boy had gotten stuck between rocks off the shoreline,” NSW Police said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

“A multi-agency operation — including officers from Mid North Coast Police District, NSW Fire and Rescue and Surf Life Savers NSW — took place to work to extricate the boy from the rocks; however, he died at the scene,” police added, confirming an investigation was underway “to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

The victim has since been identified as Kaison Greaves, of Queensland, who had been on vacation with his family, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

His family said in a statement to the outlet, “Kai was larger than life. Apparently to [sic] much for this world,” adding, “He was an adventurer, strong-willed and incredibly funny, and always had a cheeky grin.”

“He was an amazing big brother and his brother says is it raining because the angels are crying for Kaison. Our hearts are broken,” the family shared, per the publication.

The ABC stated that hundreds of people had gathered to honor the late youngster at South West Rocks’ Main Beach on Tuesday, April 22, and Kaison’s mom, Brook, then thanked anybody who attended in an emotional post shared on Facebook on Wednesday.

“To each and every one of those involved in trying to save our boy, we are so forever grateful he was not alone in his last moments and we know you did everything you could,” Brook wrote in a post shared on the South West Rocks Facebook page.

“I hope it is okay, but I wanted to share some of Kai’s life with you. He brought [color] to my life, I always called him my sun and his brother my moon. You all know Kai was an adventurer. But what you don’t know is that there was no telling him what to do. He was a free spirit collecting experiences,” the post read.

“From the moment he was born … he hasn’t stopped, he was a cyclone of chaos and love. He always was walking 10 steps in front of us, always in a rush, always wanting to go fast and always keeping us on our toes,” Brook added, sharing information such as Kaison wanting to become a race car driver when he was older and his favorite colors being orange and yellow because of his love for Sonic the Hedgehog.

“While we navigate life without him, please know that you have turned a place of sorrow for us, into a place of love, and we will never forget what you have done to help us. We will be back when we have the strength [to]. For now, hold your loved ones close and tell them you love every moment you get,” the post read, thanking anybody who had been there for the family.

NSW Police said in a statement to PEOPLE that a report will now be prepared for the coroner.

Inspector Peter Walton, from the Mid North Coast Police District, said, “I can only imagine what the family was going through watching it all unfold … it was a very difficult situation for all that were there,” per the ABC.

“Indications are that he was just playing on the rocks, and probably a number of kids play on those rocks every day,” the officer added, speculating that “being wedged [between rocks] with the waves coming in,” may be a factor in establishing the youngster’s cause of death.

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“I’d say be careful and don’t go out beyond your means, but obviously kids will be kids and have fun and this is just a tragic situation,” the inspector continued, per the outlet.

A GoFundMe set up to help the family had raised over $57,100 AUD (just over $36,410 USD) as of Thursday, April 24.

PEOPLE has reached out to Brook Greaves for a tribute, but didn’t immediately hear back.

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