Horror as abseiling teacher plunges to death in front of schoolkids on excursion

Schoolchildren looked on with horror when an abseiling instructor fell to his death in caves as police launched an investigation.

The victim, a 53-year-old man, is understood to have had more than 25 years’ experience and was a “well respected” member of the caving community in Margaret River, Australia.

He had been leading a group of 15-year-old schoolkids on Thursday in the Brides Cave in Boranup when the tragedy happened.

Teachers gave him first aid until paramedics arrived but he died at the scene, according to Western Australian police, 7News reported.

Augusta Margaret River Shire President Paula Cristoffanini said the community was still processing the tragic event.

She said: "We lost a much-loved member of our community.

A number of children and teachers had made it safely to the bottom when the man fell (Anthony Pancia/ABC South West)

"I would like to send our condolences to his family and friends.

"Our community is very close-knit and very resilient, so now is the time to get together, support each other and support his family and friends."

Several of the teachers and students had already abseiled to the bottom of the cave when the incident happened.

Emergency personnel and colleagues of the man were able to provide guidance and instruction to safely recover him, as well as students and teachers from the bottom of the cave.

An investigation into the tragedy is set to get underway (Anthony Pancia/ABC South West)

Sergeant Simone Taplin, the officer in charge of the Margaret River Police Station, added: “On arrival at the scene it was really evident that we needed to get the kids out as quick as we could.

“We were really grateful with the local caving community that they assisted us in getting those kids out. Their welfare was primary.

“We managed to get them out of the cave very quickly and onto the bus. Once we got them onto the bus we had a counsellor that was actually on scene.

“A lot of effort was put in place to try and revive him.

The victim is said to have a young family (Google)

“That assistance didn't work."

Local reports said the victim had moved to the area from overseas and had a young family.

Newman College acting principal Lucie McCrory added: “The college has deployed all necessary resources to support the wellbeing and pastoral care of students and staff who have been impacted by this tragic incident.

“They arrived home late last night. Police have praised the conduct of our staff and students and their response to the emergency services.

“The college will provide such assistance as is necessary to the relevant authorities as they investigate this incident.”