Uncle Damian Armstrong said 15-year-old Kyan loved going fishing whenever there was an opportunity. Photo: Supplied.
Kyan Armstrong was only 15 years old when he died from a ruptured brain aneurysm, and now his family runs a charity in his memory to raise funds for aneurysm research and the Wagga community.
The Fishing for Kyan Community Fishing Day will be held at the Wagga Boat Club on Sunday, 2 November, near Kyan’s favourite fishing spot.
The event is a catch-and-release fishing day off the banks of Lake Albert, with 19 prizes to be won. Australian Idol 2025 runner-up Iilysh Rettalick will perform this year.
A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a weak area of a blood vessel in your brain, which can lead to a rupture that is life-threatening.
The warning signs usually include a severe headache, nausea and vomiting, neck pain, sensitivity to light and a loss of consciousness.
According to the Brain Foundation, a vast majority of brain aneurysm cases do not cause any symptoms or bleeding, but in a small number of people, the aneurysms rupture and cause a dangerous bleeding in the brain.
Fishing for Kyan president Damian Armstrong still finds it hard to comprehend what happened to his nephew three years ago.
Kyan was a regular teenager who loved fishing, football and cricket and grew up surrounded by his family’s love. He would go fishing whenever the opportunity presented itself.
“Something like that shouldn’t happen, especially to a 15-year-old boy,” he said.
“It’s still very difficult, especially for Mum and Dad. Kyan would have been 18 this year, so a massive milestone that he missed out on and will never have.”
Fishing for Kyan started as an event in 2023 to raise funds for funeral costs and to rebuild the Wagga teen’s beloved Austin Loadstar truck, with more than 200 people attending the first event.
It has since snowballed into a registered Australian charity that raises funds for the Brain Foundation and benefits the Wagga Wagga youth community.
Now in its third year, it offers a day for families to get together, create memories and spread the joy of fishing, something Kyan was passionate about.
“There’s a fishing competition, but it’s more about the togetherness of loved ones and creating those memories,” Mr Armstrong said.
“Telling stories, having a laugh, and most importantly, taking photos and a great time to be had by all.
“I absolutely love fishing and do it as much as I possibly can. It’s a great way to go sit down with friends and family and pass a bit of time.”
Scan the QR code to buy tickets, or visit the website. Image: Supplied.
The Fishing for Kyan Community Fishing Day will take place on Sunday, 2 November, at the Wagga Boat Club at Lake Albert from 8:30 am to 2 pm. Keep up to date with the charity’s fundraising efforts on Facebook. Tickets cost between $3.95 and $6.61 and can be purchased here.
