THE devastated Elmes family gathered at Joshua’s grandparents’ (Cheryl and Vernon Elmes) farm at Bahgallah near Casterton on Thursday to bury his ashes.

Joshua’s ashes were buried under the Weeping Elm tree – a name symbolic of the tragedy given the family name.

Joshua’s dad, Matthew Elmes, said “the last time Josh visited the farm he set his swag up and slept only a metre from that same tree”.

“It was my dad’s 70th birthday on 22nd April and many friends and relatives were camping on the farm,” he said.

“Josh just happened to set his swag up right near the Weeping Elm... where we just laid some of his ashes.” The Elmes’ plan to have a plaque attached to a rock nearby the tree in the near future.