More information has come to light about the tragic incident involving 15-year-old Luca Bennett at North Avoca Beach on the New South Wales Central Coast.
The teenager was swept off the rocks on Christmas Eve, sparking a desperate search that ended in a body believed to be Luca found yesterday according to NSW police.
It’s been reported that a surf lifesaver came agonisingly close to rescuing Luca, only to have their efforts thwarted by a wave. Luca’s cousin, Cheree Robinson, shared the details with Daily Mail Australia: “(The lifeguard) reached him, but a giant wave knocked them both making it impossible to drag him to safety.”
The impact of this near-miss was devastating for the rescuer. A witness described the aftermath: “He was sobbing on the beach after the failed rescue, it was just awful to see.”
The search for Luca brought the community together, with volunteers refusing to give up even after official efforts were scaled back. Some even sacrificed time with their own families on Christmas Day to continue the search.In a cruel twist of fate, Cheree herself rushed to the beach after hearing helicopters, unaware that it was her own family member who was missing.
“I went down because of the choppers, not knowing it was him,” she told Daily Mail Australia.
“I’m grateful I did because his mum hadn’t arrived yet.
“I don’t think any of us will ever recover from this.”
Friends and family have taken to social media to share their memories of Luca. “Luca was a friend to many, he had a twinkle in his eye, boisterous infectious laugh and arms always wide open for a hug,” wrote Luca’s basketball team the Central Coast Rebels on Instagram.
Emma Power, a family friend, set up a GoFundMe to help the family out during this difficult time.
“Misch (Michelle, Luca’s mum) and Jase (Jason, Luca’s dad), Luca’s siblings and extended family are coping as best they can, together,” she wrote.
“They are so grateful for the outpouring of love from our community, and the rescue teams that continue the search to bring Luca home to them to rest.”
On Friday, police confirmed that a body believed to be Luca’s was found in the water at North Avoca beach.
As we continue into the holiday season, Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce warns families going to the beach. “We want everyone to return to their families and to do that we plead with you to please think before you take risks,” he said per Daily Mail.
Stay safe everyone.
Lead image: Instagram/Getty Image
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