Cristhian Cancino: Perth father’s shock shopping centre death leaves family reeling

A Chilean man who moved to Western Australia to build his kids a better life unexpectedly passed away in a southern suburbs shopping complex, with a GoFundMe set up to help his family fulfil his final dream of being buried in Perth.

Cristhian Gamboa Cancino, 48, had been visiting a Guardian pharmacy in a Hammond Park shopping centre on October 19 when he unexpectedly suffered a fatal heart attack.

He had lived in Western Australia for two and a half years, working as a cleaner and water proofer.

Cristhian left behind a devastated family with two children, including 20-year-old son Nicolas who resides in Perth.

“Cristhian came to Australia full of dreams — he was a loving father, hardworking man, and a kind soul who sacrificed everything for the well-being of his children and family,” his family in WA wrote in a statement.

“His passing is completely unexpected and has left our entire family in deep pain and sorrow... we face this tragedy far from home, without parents or relatives close to us.”

Close family friend Eva Pages-Oliver told PerthNow Cristhian was “so important in my heart and life”.

“He was very well respected, no one ever saw him sad or angry,” she said.

“Most people said he was energetic and happy.

“He came to WA to give a better life to his children, and they have become part of my extended family.”

The family has spoken to the shopping centre where Cristhian sadly passed, with staff revealing to his heartbroken loved ones that individuals from neighbouring stores and the car park all sprang into action to try and save the 48-year-old.

An off-duty nurse and a pharmacy worker were amongst those who attempted resuscitation on him while awaiting an ambulance.

“It brought relief to the family that complete strangers were so willing to jump in and try to help,” Ms Pages-Oliver said.

“It just shows the selflessness of Perth people.”

With most of Cristhian’s family still in South America, his body was initially planned to be cremated and his ashes sent back to Chile — however the generosity of WA residents has allowed the family to honour the 48-year-old’s true wishes.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity and support, we want to honour his wish — to be buried in Australia, the place where he fought to make a better life for his children,” his son Nicolas said.

“That was his dream and fulfilling it is the only way I can find peace and know that I respected what he truly wanted.”

The Perth fundraiser has already received donations from 213 people in four days, raising more than $13,000.

Ms Pages-Oliver said they would not have been able to deliver on Cristhian’s wishes of a Perth burial if it wasn’t for the generosity of the local community.

“98 per cent of the donations were from people in Perth, which is overwhelming.

“We are absolutely shocked (over the amount raised)!”

Cristhian’s son Nicolas told PerthNow he intends to stay in Western Australia as it was what his father wanted.

“He brought me to Western Australia to solve my life, to protect me from the crime in Chile,” he said.

“After this tragedy, I’ll continue to live his dream and stay in Perth, where there’s more opportunity and more freedom.”

“Nicolas’ future is in Perth, but he is alone here now — he does hope to bring his brother from Chile to Perth one day,” Ms Pages-Oliver added.

The GoFundMe page for Mr Cancino’s family can be found here.