'Strong, cheeky' Shepparton boy remembered after tragic river death

An 11-year-old boy who died earlier this week in Victoria's north is being remembered as a strong young leader and a talented athlete who enjoyed fishing and loved catching yabbies.

Yorta Yorta boy Dre Cooper, whom the ABC has been given permission to name, was remembered by mourners who gathered at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club vigil on Friday.

He died after entering the Broken River in Shepparton on Monday.

The vigil began with a smoking ceremony, and hundreds formed a guard of honour for the family.

Community leader Jarvis Atkinson, who also sits on Gellung Warl, remembered him as a strong young Yorta Yorta warrior who was loved by many.

"Your strength, your courage and your smile really made this a better place," he told the vigil.

"You were a leader in your young age to all your brother boys, sister girls and cousins in the community.

"As we remember Dre and the joy he brought to so many of us, let us hold his family close and care for each other during this heartbreaking time."

Tributes flowing for premiership player

Traditional dances and further tributes followed from other members of the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Dre's church, and friends.

In a social media post, the Rumbalara Football Netball Club said Dre played 26 games for the club and was a premiership player in the club's under-12 team in 2026.

"For a young fella, Dre certainly knew how to make an impact around the club and into everyone's hearts," the statement said.

" With a little cheekiness and one of the most caring hearts, he was always there to support his family, friends and teammates. "

A fundraiser to help support Dre's family has raised more than $50,000.

Police say Dre had gone missing while swimming near the Broken River in Shepparton, in Victoria's north, on Monday.

His body was found the following day in bushland after an extensive search by Police, SES and Search and Rescue crews and family members.

Police say there were no sinister circumstances in his death and that a report is being prepared for the coroner.