Authorities in Australia have reported that two teens drowned after one of them dove into the ocean to try to save the other.
Following a search and rescue effort, the 17-year-old girl and boy were “located deceased at a waterfall in Yandina on the Sunshine Coast” on Sunday, January 19, according to a statement from Queensland Police.
Police responded to reports of a young girl falling off Wappa Falls around 2:30 p.m. local time. A 17-year-old boy, attempting to help, also failed to resurface. Emergency services located the girl, Honour Ward, unresponsive at 2:50 p.m. Beau Liddell was found deceased by divers at 7:25 p.m. Authorities are preparing reports for the coroner. Wappa Falls remains closed during the investigation. Beau’s father, Adam Liddell, expressed the family’s devastation.
Beau’s father praised his son’s heroic attempt to save his friend, calling him selfless. Honor’s friend, Phoebe Loynd-Andersson, described her as someone who always supported others. The tragedy occurred at Wappa Falls, a site with multiple fatalities since 2007. Despite warnings, Mr. Liddell believes more should be done for safety. A GoFundMe has raised $1,300 to assist with Beau’s funeral expenses. Authorities have not yet responded to requests for comment.
