Taken too soon

By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
AN insatiable appetite for the stage, practical jokes, and dressing up in costume are some of the memories that David Sinclair’s friends and family will keep with them forever.
A familiar face in youth theatre across the valley, the 23-year-old from Warburton tragically died on the weekend.
His body was found in a vacant lot on Park Road behind the CJ Pizza Shop at 1.30pm on Saturday 1 June.
Police are investigating the sudden death and say it could be months before the cause is known after a post mortem is carried out.
While the Mail could not get in contact with the family, family friends say they are distraught, particularly over rumours that David was chased before his death.
Police will not confirm or deny this but said the homicide squad was not involved in the investigation.
A number of witnesses have also been spoken to about the incident and investigations are ongoing.
David, who had an intellectual disability, found comfort and friendship as a member of the Yarra Valley Youth Theatre and Misfit Theatre groups.
He also found his identity.
He could often be seen in the latest costume, from the king in Sleeping Beauty, to a giant mouse or even a girl in hot pants and heels if the role required it.
Misfit Theatre director Sarah Ward said David, who was also a close friend, was the reason she got involved in theatre in the Yarra Valley.
“He was dressed as a mouse and handed me a flyer about his latest play, he was so excited about getting people to watch it,” Sarah said.
“Theatre was the one solid thing in his life because everything was changing.”
She last saw him on Thursday night, his usual self, laughing, happy and playing jokes.
Sarah said David’s biggest dream of all was a play he was working on.
“He’s been working on it for the last six months – he really wanted Misfit to put on a play that he’d written and he’s been bringing me chunks of scripts every week or so,” she said.
Yarra Valley Youth Theatre director Beck Lee echoed Sarah’s memories, saying David was a founding member of the group, which he’d been a part of for 12 years.
“I’ve seen him grow up from a child to an adult,” she said.
“He’s been in pretty much every production … if he hasn’t been in the show than he’s done backstage, helped with lights, props…”
“It was a social network for him of people he felt safe to be with and that had the same interests as him.
“He could shine and show off his talents and abilities.”
Becky said the most annoying thing he used to do was tap people on the opposite shoulder, “and I’d fall for it every time,” she said.
“I just keep thinking if it was a car accident or something people might cope better,” she said.
“But there’s so many emotions – anger, frustration, so many rumours.”
Warburton Police Sergeant Tom Wilkinson said at a difficult time such as this, when investigations were ongoing, the community needed to be patient and wait for the results of the coronial inquiry.
“There are rumours going around that are not fair on David or the community,” he said.
“There is no-one out there that will place the community at risk.
“The circumstances will be explained when the investigation is finished.”
Instead of rehearsals tonight, Tuesday 5 June, young people from the theatre groups will meet with local police and River Valley Church Pastor Andy Bennett at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre at 7pm for counselling.