A Queensland family’s Easter holiday has ended in heartbreak after nine-year-old Kaison Greaves, known as Kai, died in a tragic accident at South West Rocks, north of Port Macquarie, on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Kai was on a family trip when around 3:30pm on Easter Sunday, he slipped and became wedged between rocks off the shore — a spot that’s popular with locals and visitors for fishing and playing.
Despite desperate efforts from his dad, lifeguards, firefighters, and police, Kai could not be saved. First responders battled neck-deep water and rising tides for hours, but he died at the scene. Witnesses described the frantic rescue, with his family watching on helplessly as the situation unfolded.
One bystander said, “The father was there the whole time trying the best he could as well as the lifeguards and firefighters and rescuers there. They tried the best they could to get him out but he was small enough to get himself deeply lodged in the crack as the tide came up,” per 7News.
Kai’s father, David Greaves, shared a heartfelt tribute: “He was an adventurer, strong-willed and incredibly funny, and always had a cheeky grin. He was an amazing big brother and his brother says is it raining because the angels are crying for Kaison. Our hearts are broken,” per 9News.
Those who witnessed the tragedy spoke of the impact on everyone present. One woman comforted Kai’s younger brother on the beach, while another said she would never forget the mother’s fear as she watched, unable to help. A witness described it as “one of the most traumatic and heartbreaking moments” of his life, saying, “I fought with every part of me wishing so desperately for a different outcome. My heart aches for his family and I hope they find even a sliver of peace knowing he wasn’t alone — he was cared for, fought for, and held in love every step of the way,” per 7News.
Inspector Peter Walton from Mid North Coast Police District called it a “tragic misadventure”, saying, “Indications are that he was just playing on the rocks, and probably a number of kids play on those rocks every day. I can only imagine what the family was going through watching it all unfold … it was a very difficult situation for all that were there,” per ABC.
Authorities are still investigating the exact cause, but it’s believed the rising tide and waves may have played a role. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
A “close family friend” has set up a Go Fund Me page to help support Kai’s family through this time. “He was an extremely bright boy who had a wonderful life with his devoted parents Brook and Dave,” read the fundraiser page.
Community members have also organised a candlelight vigil this afternoon to honour Kai and “show love and support for his family and the first responders and people who helped him”.
Kai’s death came during what Surf Life Saving NSW described as the worst Easter weekend on record for ocean drownings, with seven people losing their lives and one still missing across the country.
Lead image: 9News
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