The Hamilton community, together with Dunkeld and Glen, is mourning the devastating loss of Mackenzie Rose Mason, affectionately known as “Kenz,” who passed away following an accident in Dunkeld.

beloved daughter, sister, teammate, and friend, Mackenzie’s passing at just 21 years old has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.

Born and raised with love and laughter, Mackenzie was a shining presence from the earliest stages of her life. A proud graduate of Monivae College, she carried with her a zest for learning, creativity, and friendship.

She built strong connections not only within the classroom but also within the wider community. Those who knew her speak of her as someone who always put others first, a young woman whose kindness and joy were her most defining traits.

Sport played a significant role in Mackenzie’s life. She began her junior football journey with the Roos and quickly became an integral member of the team. Her determination, teamwork, and passion for the game helped guide the Under-15 squad to their unforgettable 2019 Premiership victory, a moment that remains a cherished memory for her teammates and coaches.

To this day, her name is spoken with admiration and love within the club. In her honour, her teammates will wear black armbands this Saturday, a powerful gesture of remembrance and unity as they celebrate the life of their cherished friend.

Mackenzie’s spirit was magnetic — her energy infectious. Friends describe her as the kind of person who could light up a room simply by walking into it. Her radiant smile was one of her most treasured gifts, capable of lifting spirits and comforting those in need. Beyond her presence on the field, Mackenzie loved to sing, often filling spaces with her voice, a reflection of the joy and creativity she carried within her.

She was more than a teammate, more than a friend — she was a source of warmth and love for so many. Her genuine care for others set her apart. Whether in small acts of kindness or in the way she devoted herself fully to the people she loved, Mackenzie made an indelible impact on the lives she touched.

The Mason family — Sophia, Tim, Morgan, Bailey, and Jasper — along with Mackenzie’s many friends and the Dunkeld/Glen community, are now navigating the unimaginable grief of losing such a beautiful soul. Their pain is shared by countless others, all of whom carry Kenz in their hearts.

Messages of sympathy and remembrance have been pouring in, reminding the family that while Mackenzie’s life ended far too soon, her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will endure. “Forever 21 — forever remembered, forever loved” is more than just a sentiment; it is a truth that binds everyone touched by her life together.

As the community gathers to honour Mackenzie Rose Mason, her spirit will live on in every memory, every story, and every smile she inspired. Though she is gone, her light will never fade.