Exclusive: When Jye Campbell’s family lost him last November, along with their heart-wrenching grief they were forced to confront a brutal reality – death is an expensive business.
At just 20, and a loving dad to two infant twins, Jye seemed to have years left to him, and his family certainly weren’t expecting to have to plan his funeral.
New dad Jye Campbell died in November 2025. GoFundMe
But not long after the Albury man tragically took his own life, his loved ones learned they couldn’t even bury him without facing costs that ballooned out to $20,000.
Jye’s aunt, Emma Campbell, told nine.com.au the family had only wanted “the most basic” burial, with just one “extra” – for the church bells to ring, and even that was an extra few hundred bucks on a rapidly swelling bill.
“Going into it, we didn’t really understand the costs that were involved,” Emma said, noting that the family were not wealthy by any means.
“Where do you come up with that kind of money?”
The Campbells aren’t alone, with GoFundMe saying its research showed a 70 per cent surge in funeral- and memorial-related fundraisers in Australia from 2020 to 2025.
Last year alone, Australians raised $28 million in funeral-related donations, as the average cost for one rises to $14,000.
GoFundMe’s findings showed more than half of Australians (57 per cent) have no money set aside for their own funeral, while four in five (81 per cent) have nothing saved for the funeral of a loved one.
And 45 per cent said covering funeral costs would put them under financial strain.
The Campbells had not even thought of putting a callout for support, Emma said, until one family member made the suggestion.
“It’s not something any of us had ever done before,” she said.
The response was mind-blowing for the family, with over $9000 ultimately raised.
“Everyone helped – friends, family, even people who’d never known him,” Emma said.
“For such a heavy time … to have people who didn’t even know him help out.
“There was a light that came from it.”
Jye’s mum was able to make sure the bells rang as his loved ones said goodbye.
Burial and funeral costs are becoming increasingly expensive. Tony Lowrey
GoFundMe senior communications manager Lilia Villela said a broad cultural shift was under way, with Australians more willing to reach out – and often to give back.
“Our data shows that while more Aussies are asking for donations in lieu of flowers when mourning the loss of a loved one, their communities are responding with generosity,” she said.
“They are rallying around friends, family members and even strangers to help ease the financial burden of farewelling a loved one and remind grieving families that they’re not alone.”
Funerals Australia national president Asha Dooley said that the funds raised were often used to support the family’s daily expenses as they shouldered the burden of preparing to say goodbye, and taking time off work to grieve.
She said much of the increase in costs was driven by rising cemetery and crematorium fees, which were outside a funeral director’s purview.
“Funeral costs include the professional planning and coordination of the service, care of the deceased and a range of third-party fees. Many elements, such as flowers, celebrants and memorial items, are optional,” she said.
“With pricing transparency laws now in place across most states, families can compare providers and choose arrangements that suit both their wishes and their budget.
“Planning ahead, whether through a prepaid funeral, a funeral bond or simply discussing your wishes with loved ones, can help ease both the financial and emotional burden on families.”
Emma Campbell also said it was important for people to plan ahead, to think of things like funeral insurance or even just discuss what their preferences would be.
But in the end, she said, the family’s experience showed that it was okay to lean on others in times of need.
“People will help. People care, at the end of the day,” she said.
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).