The Auckland community is mourning the sudden death of 12-year-old Jason Brendon Madanu, an Indian-origin schoolboy remembered by his family and teachers for his kindness, creativity, love of music and strong Christian faith.
Jason, a student at Mt Roskill Intermediate, died on 7 September 2026 after a short illness, just weeks before his 13th birthday. He was born in Hyderabad, India, on 23 October 2013, and spent part of his early childhood with his grandmother while his parents established their life in New Zealand.
His father, Arogya Joseph Madanu, has described Jason as his “strength” and “best friend”, recalling the affection his son showed towards the family. Jason is survived by his parents, Arogya and Bhagya Rani Madanu, two younger sisters and a younger brother.
Jason’s early years included time apart from his parents before he eventually joined them in New Zealand. His father recalled their emotional reunion, describing how strongly Jason had missed him during the separation. After settling in Auckland, Jason became a protective and affectionate older brother who enjoyed spending time with his family.
Family memories include trips to Rotorua, walks along Point Chevalier beach and late-night ice cream stops on Ponsonby Road. His father also remembered the excitement Jason showed when he first met his baby sister after she was brought home from hospital in 2022.
At Mt Roskill Intermediate, Jason was known as an active and creative member of the school community. He had earned several achievement badges, including a Principal’s Award, and enjoyed taking part in school activities. He was particularly excited about being involved in the school production of Moana Jr.
The school remembered Jason as a special member of its community and dedicated its production to him. Principal Kristen Walsham said he would spend time around the hall during rehearsals, watching the set and staging develop, while his enthusiasm for music often saw him dancing and moving along with performances.
Music was an important part of Jason’s life outside school as well. His family said he loved singing and Christian worship, and on Sundays he would dress in a blazer, set up a projector, keyboard and Bible in his room, then sing and pray while his younger sisters joined him.
His Christian faith also shaped his aspirations. Jason dreamed of becoming a pastor and had a particular affection for the Telugu Christian worship song Yese Naa Parihaari, which focuses on finding comfort and protection through faith. His family has continued to draw strength from that faith following his death.
Jason’s final illness developed over a relatively short period. His father said he experienced dizziness and fainting before developing painful mouth sores and bleeding, leading to hospital treatment. His condition later deteriorated, including severe head pain and loss of consciousness.
A pathologist’s provisional opinion reported by the New Zealand Herald was that Jason suffered bleeding inside the skull as a complication of immune thrombocytopenia and infection. Immune thrombocytopenia affects the body’s platelets, which are essential for blood clotting. His death has been referred to the coroner, meaning the final circumstances remain subject to the coronial process.
Following Jason’s death, his school, church and wider Auckland community have rallied around his family. The school organised support for the family, while the Telangana Association of New Zealand established a Givealittle fundraising campaign to assist with funeral, burial and memorial expenses.
The fundraising campaign, created on 16 September, had received more than NZ$10,600 from over 200 donors by the latest available update. The organisers thanked supporters for their donations, prayers and efforts to share the campaign, saying the support had meant a great deal to Jason’s family.
For those who knew him, Jason’s memory extends well beyond the circumstances of his death. His family remembers a loving son and brother, while his school community remembers a young student whose enthusiasm for music, creativity and involvement in school life left a lasting impression.
As Auckland continues to support the Madanu family, Jason is being remembered for the warmth he brought to those around him, his devotion to his family and faith, and the dream he carried of one day becoming a pastor.
