Help support Caleb fight to lay Corey to rest

Help Caleb Lay His Father to Rest

Hey everyone,

My name is Krystal, and I am Caleb’s mum. I am reaching out to ask for support as Caleb fights for his father’s remains. Right now, Corey—Caleb’s dad—still lies in the morgue because Corey’s girlfriend is preventing his body from being released. She wants to bury him in a location of her choosing without telling Caleb where he is.

What Happened

On Tuesday, January 21st, Corey suddenly became ill. At the time, Caleb was away, working his last night shift of a two-week stint. Since Caleb wasn’t there, Corey’s girlfriend was named his next of kin. At first, Corey was texting Caleb, reassuring him not to worry and saying they would see each other when Caleb returned. They exchanged messages telling each other they loved one another.

Just 2–3 hours later, Corey became unresponsive. Caleb was devastated and had no way of getting back until the following day. As soon as he returned, we rushed to the hospital, where we met Corey’s girlfriend, her family, and Corey’s relatives.

While we were waiting for Corey to return from a scan, the doctors held a meeting with Corey’s father, Shane, and Corey’s girlfriend—but not with Caleb, his only adult child. In that meeting, the doctors explained that Corey had suffered another stroke, but this time it was severe. He was now brain dead, and there was nothing they could do except keep him comfortable on life support.

As the doctors spoke, I kept asking Caleb how he felt about everything—it was an overwhelming shock for him. Losing a parent at just 19 is heartbreaking.

Being Shut Out of Critical Decisions

Despite being Corey’s son, Caleb was repeatedly left out of major decisions. The hospital set dates for organ donation meetings and Corey’s final farewell, but these arrangements were made only with Shane and Corey’s girlfriend. Caleb was not consulted at all.

Feeling frustrated and disrespected, Caleb confronted Corey’s girlfriend and her father. Her response was dismissive, claiming she wasn’t making many decisions. Meanwhile, her father stated that as the head of his family, he would ensure she relayed any important information “in due time.” It was shocking to hear them talk this way to Corey’s son, who was just trying to say goodbye to his dad.

When the final goodbye day arrived, I asked for some keepsakes for Caleb. At first, the social worker was about to give them to me, but she suddenly stopped and said she needed permission from Corey’s girlfriend because she was listed as next of kin. Again, Caleb—Corey’s own son—was overlooked. When Caleb himself asked for the memory box, Corey’s girlfriend refused, saying she wanted to hold onto it and would decide later what to do with it.

Taking Everything from Corey

A few days later, Corey’s longtime housemate—whom he had lived with for over eight years—told us that Corey’s girlfriend had gone to his home, packed all of his belongings into boxes (including legal documents, pillows, and blankets), and taken everything to her house. Not before grabbing a six-pack of beer for herself and her father, though—all of which was caught on CCTV.

After this, Caleb repeatedly tried to contact her and her father, but they refused to return his calls. Then, Corey’s father, Shane, received a phone call from the girlfriend’s father, who informed him that they had already arranged for Corey’s body to be handled by their chosen funeral director. They planned to bury Corey where the girlfriend lived, and if Caleb and Corey’s family didn’t like it, “too bad.”

Caleb and Corey’s family had already agreed that Corey should be cremated, and Shane had made arrangements with their own funeral director. But Corey’s girlfriend disregarded all of this.

Now, she has taken Corey’s belongings, his car, and is applying for his estate and superannuation, claiming she was his de facto partner—even though they didn’t live together, didn’t share finances, and had no children. She even submitted a statutory declaration full of false claims.

Why We Need Your Help

Caleb now faces a legal battle to claim his father’s body and ensure Corey is laid to rest properly. He is also fighting for Corey’s estate and superannuation. This has taken a serious emotional and financial toll, as Caleb has had to take time off work to deal with lawyers and the ongoing legal struggle.

My son needs your help. No child should have to fight this hard just to say goodbye to their parent. Caleb deserves to lay his father to rest—not be pushed aside by someone who, in a few years, will have moved on and forgotten.

If you can spare anything to help Caleb during this incredibly difficult time, please consider donating. Every little bit helps.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

—Krystal, Caleb’s heartbroken mum and biggest supporter