Teammates of a teenage boy who fell to his death inside Sydney's Queen Victoria Building are "absolutely devastated" by the tragedy and will wear black armbands in their next rugby match as a mark of respect.
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Archie Hunt, 13, was visiting the CBD shopping centre with his family about 3pm on Sunday afternoon when he fell up to 30 metres to the ground inside the northern stairwell of the building, which was packed with shoppers at the time.
Archie, who attended Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in Tamworth, was believed to be playing on a stair railing, possibly trying to slide down it, when he lost his balance and tumbled over the edge.
He suffered critical head and chest injuries, and died that afternoon in the Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick.
Archie played in the under-13 juniors with Merewether Carlton Rugby Union Club, and was in Newcastle watching the rugby on the weekend before travelling to Sydney with his family.
Stephen Reid, the president of the rugby club, said Archie's teammates were shocked and devastated the learn of his death.
"We're absolutely devastated and will do whatever we can to support Archie's family and his teammates affected by this tragedy," Mr Reid told the Newcastle Herald.
"He's played with the current under-13 juniors for the past two seasons and was excellent in the backs."
Mr Reid said junior and senior players would wear black arm bands at their July 11 games in a mark of respect and remembrance to Archie.
One of Archie's young friends paid tribute online, writing: "Rip Archie, taken to young buddy".
Police said Archie's fall was captured on CCTV camera, and the distressing footage would be provided to the coroner following his death.
Police described the incident as a "heart-breaking accident".
The boy's family were distraught and were being offered counselling, a NSW Police spokeswoman said, as were witnesses and emergency service workers who attempted to treat Archie at the scene.
She said there were two types of barriers to try to prevent people from climbing over the edge where the teenager fell.
The Queen Victoria Building released a statement on Sunday afternoon following the accident.
"The QVB extends sincere condolences to the victim's family," the statement said.
"We are deeply saddened by this incident and will continue to work with the NSW Police Force on the matter."
Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
