Police Prepare Report as Community Remembers Dre Cooper

“Let us hold his family close and care for each other during this heartbreaking time,” community leader Jarvis Atkinson told a vigil for Dre Cooper, an 11-year-old Yorta Yorta boy who died after entering the Broken River in Shepparton on Monday. Hundreds gathered Friday at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club to remember him. Police said they were preparing a report for the coroner.

Community care, in their own words

Atkinson, who also sits on Gellung Warl, called Dre a strong young Yorta Yorta warrior, loved by many. “Your strength, your courage and your smile really made this a better place,” he said. He remembered Dre as a leader to “all your brother boys, sister girls and cousins in the community.” He urged people to care for Dre’s family and one another.

A smoking ceremony opened the vigil. Hundreds formed a guard of honour for the family, followed by traditional dances and further tributes from club members, Dre’s church and friends. Through ceremony, remembrance and practical support, the community gathered around his family. A fundraiser for them has raised more than $50,000.

Dre was remembered as a talented athlete, premiership player and young leader. He loved fishing and catching yabbies. In a social media post, the Rumbalara Football Netball Club said he played 26 games for the club and won a premiership with its under-12 team in 2026.

“For a young fella, Dre certainly knew how to make an impact around the club and into everyone’s hearts,” the club said. It described him as cheeky, caring and always there for his family, friends and teammates. Those close to him spoke of more than a player: they remembered a boy whose place in his family and community mattered deeply.

The search and the official account

Police said Dre went missing while swimming near the Broken River on Monday. After an extensive search, police, SES and Search and Rescue crews, along with family members, found his body in bushland the following day. Police said no sinister circumstances surrounded his death and were preparing a report for the coroner.

Official crews and family members both joined the search. The police account describes the search and the next formal step, while the vigil captured what Dre meant to people who knew him. The report will go to the coroner; his community, club, church and friends offered the tributes.

The ABC said it had permission to name Dre. The vigil didn’t reduce him to the circumstances of his death. People remembered his leadership, his sport, his cheekiness and his care for those around him. In their grief, people responded with a guard of honour, ceremony, remembrance and a fundraiser for his family. The police report continues through formal channels. His community raised more than $50,000 for his family.