Please Help Support Kiwi Mum Jolene after her son Ruben Carston Tragically Died, aged just 19yrs
Help support Ruben’s Mum after his sudden & tragic death. She is going through the unimaginable while searching for answers.
Richmond, Tasman
On November 9th, Jolene, Dale and their children’s world was tipped up-side-down, with the sudden and unexpected loss of their deeply loved son & brother, Ruben. He was only 19yrs old.
The cause of Ruben’s death at this stage is unknown. They don’t yet know why Ruben died, and his death has been referred to the coroner, where a coronary enquiry is now underway.
While this devastated family are deep in grief, trying to come to terms with this terrible tragedy and navigate their new reality without their dear son & brother, they are having to deal with many associated costs and loss of income, causing much financial stress.
No parent should have to go through this, so if you are able to donate and help them, even if just a little, every $ will be so greatly appreciated and your kindness will be always be remembered.
Please click the Facebook link below to see a short reel of Ruben & his family.
Thankyou for your time & kindness,
Andrea Bell-Larrington.
(I’m a close & life-long friend of Jolene & Dale and their family).
ANDREA LARRINGTON's involvement (page creator)
Jolene & Dale are life-long dear friends of mine. Ruben is their son.
Use of funds
The money raised will be used to help pay funeral costs for Ruben, organise his personal affairs and help financially support his family due to loss of income while they grieve their son & brother.
Other page links
Latest update
An Update from Ruben’s Family - To Everyone Who Has Supported Us 21 July 2026
Thankyou for your kindness, generosity, and love. Knowing people care about Ruben and our family has carried us through some of our darkest days.
Ruben was our beautiful son, we miss him every day. We’re doing our best to honour his life, keep his memory alive, and find the answers we need.
The Coroner’s investigation, forensic pathology, police work, and court proceedings are ongoing, so there are details I cannot share right now. I continue to support these processes.
The Health and Disability Commissioner has also begun an independent investigation into the health care Ruben received before his death. This is an important step, we will let it take its course.
I continue to seek the truth for Ruben and our family, have asked questions and shared information to ensure his story is heard and understood.
Life changed forever the day I found my beautiful son dead. He did not die from suicide. I need counselling and support to process the trauma of finding Ruben, losing him, and everything since. I am unable to work because of PTSD, while Dale continues working to support our family and carries his own grief. ACC has declined me support as not a physical injury. Victim Support has been unable to access financial assistance for us while legal processes are ongoing.
Any future support and donations are deeply appreciated. They help me access support I need and face challenges ahead.
Thankyou for remembering Ruben and standing with our family.
With love and gratitude,
Jolene
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