The family, friends and community of a Dunghutti teenager who died after a police pursuit have farewelled the boy with an emotional service in Sydney.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at Sydney's Town Hall to pay their respects and bid farewell to a "vibrant, beautiful, loved young man."
Attendees were welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony and wore red shirts commemorating Jai's life.
Speaking to a sea of crimson, the teen's father remembered a young boy who had "worked out, at a very young age, how to shine".
"He used his smile, his wit, and above all his excellent sense of humour," said Lachlan Wright.
Mr Wright spoke of his son as someone admired by family and friends, well-liked by his elders and looked up to by his peers, and that his loss would be keenly felt.
Attendants were ceremonially welcomed to Jai Wright's funeral service. Source: Supplied: Tanisha Stanton
"Our families will never be the same without you Jai-Jai... I'm not sure how it's going to work from here on out.
"I'm really not sure."
The 16-year-old sustained severe head injuries after he collided with an unmarked police car whilst riding a trail bike in the Sydney suburb of Eveleigh last month.
He was treated on-site by NSW Ambulance paramedics and was taken to RPA Hospital in a critical condition, where he passed away two days later.
Mr Wright publicly called for an investigation into his son's death, alleging he and his family had received inconsistent information from police in the aftermath of the accident.
Sydney Town Hall saw hundreds of mourners attend the ceremony celebrating Jai Wright's life. Source: Supplied: Tanisha Stanton
The deputy chairperson of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council Yvonne Weldon, who opened proceedings, spoke of the need to prevent similar incidents happening in future.
"Let us all remember what has happened, and why we are here," she told the hall.
"Reflecting upon what has taken place, to change what should ever happen again. Let us all draw upon our people's spirits to help us on our healing journey."
More family and community members shared memories of Jai in a ceremony that included music and photos from Jai's life.
"Jai's mum Kylie had the hardest job in the world," said Paul Galea, Deputy Principal of International Grammar School for much of Jai's schooling.
Happier times: young Jai Wright. Source: Supplied: Tanisha Stanton
"She had to get Jai's uniform on him in the morning," he said to laughs from the hall.
Mr Galea remembered a much-loved teenager who excelled in sport, and grew emotional as he related a story about Jai securing an apprenticeship.
"We shook hands like men, and I was so proud and hopeful for him. I thought 'This is the start of your life.'
"Our school community, and our community at large, very rarely see a person like Jai Kalani Wright, and he will be sorely missed."
